Shock waves and sound waves

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential effects of a high velocity collision between an object of very high mass and a hypothetical wall. The participants question whether a shock wave or sound wave would be transmitted through the wall and if these waves could cause harm. It is determined that if the wall remains intact, only acoustic and electromagnetic radiation could reach the other side. The difference between sound waves and destructive shock waves is attributed to speed, pressure, and density.
  • #1
autodidude
333
0
If an object of VERY high mass were to hit a hypothetical wall at a high velocity and the wall somehow withstood that, what would happen to you if you were standing on the other side close to the wall but not touching it? Would there be some sort of wave transmitted through it? If so, would this wave that hurts you be the sound wave?

So would shock wave be some sort of sound wave as well?
 
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  • #2
If the wall stays intact - or at least its side closest to you does - then all that can reach you is acoustic and electromagnetic radiation.
 
  • #3
How would EM radiation be generated? And what is acoustic radiation?
 
  • #4
Collision -> heat -> EM radiation.

Acoustic radiation = sound.
 
  • #5
So the sound wouldn't be able to hurt you? What's the difference between a sound wave and the destructive shock/pressure wave from explosives, 'extreme collisions' (e.g. meteors)?
 
  • #6
A shock wave will definitely form in the wall. If the wall is thick enough to withstand the collision but not thick enough to attenuate the shock wave, a shock wave will also form in the air behind the wall. Whether it will be able to hurt you depends on the parameters of the collision.
 
  • #7
voko said:
Collision -> heat -> EM radiation.

well there may be a little bit of IR radiation (EM radiation)
but if the wall doesn't crumble you won't see that as its likely to be absorbed by the wall anyway

Dave
 
  • #8
So would the shock wave be the result of the colliding particles in the wall that hit the air? Also, if sound is basically collision of particles transferring a wave as well - what's the difference? Speed?
 
  • #9
autodidude said:
Also, if sound is basically collision of particles transferring a wave as well - what's the difference? Speed?

Speed, pressure, density. Read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_wave
 

1. What is the difference between shock waves and sound waves?

Shock waves are high amplitude waves that travel faster than the speed of sound, whereas sound waves are longitudinal waves that travel at the speed of sound.

2. How are shock waves and sound waves created?

Shock waves are created when an object moves faster than the speed of sound, causing a sudden increase in pressure. Sound waves are created when an object vibrates, causing molecules in the surrounding medium to vibrate and create a sound wave.

3. What are the properties of shock waves and sound waves?

Shock waves have a high amplitude, high energy, and a steep front. They also have a high pressure and temperature. Sound waves have a lower amplitude and energy, and a more gradual front. They also have a lower pressure and temperature.

4. How do shock waves and sound waves affect their surroundings?

Shock waves can cause damage to objects in their path, such as breaking windows or damaging buildings. They also have the potential to cause injury to living organisms. Sound waves can be heard and can also cause vibrations in objects, but they do not have the same destructive force as shock waves.

5. How are shock waves and sound waves used in practical applications?

Shock waves are used in various medical procedures, such as breaking up kidney stones or treating certain types of cancer. They are also used in industrial processes, such as cleaning or cutting materials. Sound waves are used in communication, such as in telephones and radios, and in various imaging technologies, such as ultrasounds.

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