Shock Waves

Shock waves are disturbances that travel through a medium, like air or water, at speeds greater than the speed of sound in that medium. They occur when an object moves quickly enough to compress the air in front of it, creating a sudden change in pressure, temperature, and density. This can be observed in events like sonic booms from aircraft or explosions. Unlike regular sound waves, which spread out smoothly, shock waves have a sharp, distinct front, leading to sudden and intense effects, such as a loud noise or a forceful push against objects in their path.