University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 16 - Sound and Hearing - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 538: Q16.23

Answer

No.

Work Step by Step

No, a supersonic object forms a cone of shock waves around the direction of motion. As explained on page 534, this shock wave cone moves along with the source. You hear the sonic boom when the shock wave reaches your location, but it is there even at speeds greater than Mach 1, not just at the instant that its speed exceeds Mach 1.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.