What causes the snapping sound when a towel is snapped?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of the snapping sound produced when a towel is snapped. Participants explore the underlying causes of this sound, with references to related concepts such as sonic booms and whip dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the cause of the snapping sound, claiming to already know the answer, which prompts skepticism from others.
  • Another participant questions the intent behind the original question, suggesting it may be a display of knowledge.
  • A participant clarifies that they did not discover the answer themselves but found it interesting and offers to share it privately.
  • One participant proposes that the snapping sound is akin to a small-scale sonic boom.
  • A later reply reiterates the sonic boom explanation and relates it to the dynamics of a whip, indicating a connection between the two phenomena.
  • Another participant expresses frustration with the thread's productivity and shifts the topic to creating a "death whip towel," indicating a desire for a more practical application or experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the explanation for the snapping sound, with multiple viewpoints presented, including the sonic boom analogy and the reference to whip dynamics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most accurate or comprehensive explanation.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the scientific principles behind the snapping sound, and assumptions about the nature of sound production and its relation to other phenomena like sonic booms and whip dynamics remain unexamined.

jeff
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What causes the snapping sound when a towel is snapped? I'm hoping that no one here has seen this before. I already know the answer.
 
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Then why ask? Is this just some stupid way of showing off?

(And why in the world should we believe you "already know" just because you say so?)
 
I didn't figure out the problem, someone just told it to me along with the answer so I'm not showing off. The reason I posted this question is that the answer turns out to be very interesting. If you want, I'll private message you the answer and you can tell me if you think it's worth posting.
 
Last edited:
It's a small-scale sonic boom.
 
Originally posted by LURCH
It's a small-scale sonic boom.

Correct, as you already know. The version I heard involved a whip. I thought changing it to a towel would make it tougher. Oh well.
 
Okay, this thread wasn't too productuve. Anyone know who to make one of those "death whip towels"? Ouch!
 

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