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    RachelP1's Avatar
    RachelP1 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Mar 29, 2010, 04:25 PM
    What is a shock wave from an explosion
    When a firework explodes 100 feet away I can see, then hear and then fell it.
    I can explain the sight and the sound.
    What happens to make me feel it?
    cdad's Avatar
    cdad Posts: 12,700, Reputation: 1438
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    #2

    Mar 29, 2010, 05:52 PM

    What you "feel" is called percussion. Its from the rapid expansion of air surrounding the explosive device. Sight ( speed of light ) is faster the sound ( speed of sound ) then comes percussion ( slowest ) .
    InfoJunkie4Life's Avatar
    InfoJunkie4Life Posts: 1,409, Reputation: 81
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    #3

    Mar 30, 2010, 10:43 PM

    You have p and s waves in an explosion. Your p (Primary) waves are compression based, and thus form sound. They are just minor disturbances traveling very fast. The s (Secondary) wave is just a difference in air pressures, like wind.
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