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  1. Dictionary
    shock wave
    /ˈʃɒk weɪv/

    noun

    • 1. a sharp change of pressure in a narrow region travelling through a medium, especially air, caused by explosion or by a body moving faster than sound: "the shock waves of the explosion"

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  2. www.britannica.com › science › shock-waveShock wave | Definition & Facts | Britannica

    Sep 6, 2024 · shock wave, strong pressure wave in any elastic medium such as air, water, or a solid substance, produced by supersonic aircraft, explosions, lightning, or other phenomena that create violent changes in pressure.

    • Bow Wave

      bow wave, progressive disturbance propagated through a fluid...

    • Mach Cone

      Other articles where Mach cone is discussed: sonic boom:...

  3. www.britannica.com › science › sonic-boomSonic boom | Shockwave, Supersonic, Pressure Wave | Britannica

    Sep 6, 2024 · Sonic boom, shock wave that is produced by an aircraft or other object flying at a speed equal to or exceeding the speed of sound and that is heard on the ground as a sound like a clap of thunder. When an aircraft travels at subsonic speed, the pressure disturbances, or sounds, that it generates.

    • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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  5. en.wikipedia.org › wiki › WaveWave - Wikipedia

    Sep 26, 2024 · A shock wave is a type of propagating disturbance. When a wave moves faster than the local speed of sound in a fluid, it is a shock wave. Like an ordinary wave, a shock wave carries energy and can propagate through a medium; however, it is characterized by an abrupt, nearly discontinuous change in pressure, temperature and density of ...

  6. physicspedia.blog › understanding-shock-waves-vs-sound-wavesUnderstanding The Differences: Shock Waves Vs. Sound Waves

    Sep 21, 2024 · Shock waves are characterized by abrupt pressure and temperature changes, creating a sharply defined line of discontinuity in the medium. In contrast, sound waves exhibit gradual pressure and temperature variations, resulting in a smooth wavefront.

  7. www.britannica.com › Properties-of-seismic-wavesEarthquake - Seismic Waves, Properties, Geology | Britannica

    Sep 12, 2024 · Earthquake - Seismic Waves, Properties, Geology: At all distances from the focus, mechanical properties of the rocks, such as incompressibility, rigidity, and density, play a role in the speed with which the waves travel and the shape and duration of the wave trains.

  8. www.examples.com › physics › longitudinal-wavesLongitudinal Waves - 30+ Examples, Formula, Differences,...

    Sep 9, 2024 · A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave’s travel. Examples include sound waves in air and seismic P-waves. These waves create regions of compression and rarefaction as they propagate through a medium.

  9. spaceplace.nasa.gov › supernova › enWhat Is a Supernova? | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids

    6 days ago · The collapse happens so quickly that it creates enormous shock waves that cause the outer part of the star to explode! Usually a very dense core is left behind, along with an expanding cloud of hot gas called a nebula.