Can Fish Reach Sonic Boom in Water?

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SUMMARY

A super-fast fish can indeed produce a "sonic boom" when swimming faster than the speed of sound in water, which is approximately four times faster than in air. This phenomenon occurs due to the fish exceeding the local speed of sound, resulting in a shock wave. The discussion confirms that the initial hypothesis regarding the capability of such a fish is correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics and sound propagation in different mediums
  • Knowledge of the speed of sound in water versus air
  • Basic principles of shock waves and their formation
  • Familiarity with aquatic biology and fish locomotion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the speed of sound in various liquids, focusing on water
  • Explore the physics behind shock waves and their implications in fluid dynamics
  • Investigate examples of marine animals that exhibit high-speed swimming capabilities
  • Learn about the effects of sonic booms in aquatic environments
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, marine biologists, and anyone interested in the mechanics of sound in water and the capabilities of fast-swimming fish.

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Homework Statement


can a super-fast fish that is able to swim faster than the speed of sound in water produce a "sonic boom"?

Homework Equations

unknown

The Attempt at a Solution

there is a speed of sound in water- roughly 4x that of air?
 
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dymand68 said:

The Attempt at a Solution

there is a speed of sound in water- roughly 4x that of air?

Yes.
 
thank you, that was marked correct
 

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