Shock Waves

• Shock waves occur when a wave source moves faster than the speed of the wave in the medium

• the expanding waves superimpose and form a conical pattern

• The amplitude along the edge of the cone becomes very large (the waves add together with their crest lined up)

• the edge of the cone--> shock wave

• Examples:

- supersonic planes

- boats on water

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version