Difference between shock wave and shock ?

In summary, a shock wave is a type of shock that propagates through a medium, while a shock is a contact discontinuity in pressure and/or density of a material. They can also have similar discontinuities in temperature, specific energy, and entropy. In some cases, there can also be standing shocks that are not referred to as shock waves.
  • #1
sam_021
39
0
So I know what a shock wave is but what's a shock ?
is it just the front of the shock wave ?
 
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  • #2
A shock wave is also known as the sound frequency. Shock would be classified as the electromagnetic radiation frequency.
 
  • #3
onlinementor said:
A shock wave is also known as the sound frequency. Shock would be classified as the electromagnetic radiation frequency.
You might be confused about your terminology onlinementor; your response isn't correct, and seems to be quite unrelated as-well.

sam_021 said:
So I know what a shock wave is but what's a shock ?
is it just the front of the shock wave ?

These are (obviously) very related terms. In general, a 'shock' is a contact discontinuity in pressure and/or density of a material. There is often (if not always) a similar discontinuity in temperature, specific energy, entropy etc.
A 'shock wave' is a 'shock' which is propagating along/through the medium---e.g. from an explosion, or non-equilibrium accretion process.

There can be 'standing shocks' in which the shock is stationary; generally this would not be referred to as a shock 'wave' (but the terminology is somewhat loose).
 

What is the difference between shock wave and shock?

Shock wave and shock are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct phenomena. A shock wave is a type of pressure wave that travels through a medium faster than the speed of sound, while shock is the physical reaction of an object or organism to sudden impact or trauma.

How are shock waves created?

Shock waves are created when an object moves through a medium at a speed faster than the speed of sound in that medium. This causes a sudden increase in pressure that radiates outwards in the form of a shock wave.

What are some examples of shock waves?

Shock waves can be found in a variety of natural and man-made occurrences. Some examples include thunder, meteorite impacts, and supersonic aircraft breaking the sound barrier. Shock waves can also be created by explosions and high-speed projectiles.

What are the effects of shock on living organisms?

Shock can have a variety of effects on living organisms, depending on the magnitude and duration of the impact. In mild cases, it may cause discomfort or minor injuries, while in severe cases it can lead to organ damage, internal bleeding, or even death.

How are shock waves used in scientific research and technology?

Shock waves have a wide range of applications in scientific research and technology. They are used in fields such as meteorology, astrophysics, and geology to study and understand the behavior of shock waves in natural phenomena. In technology, shock waves are utilized in medical treatments, such as shock wave lithotripsy for breaking up kidney stones, and in industrial processes, such as shock hardening for strengthening materials.

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