Interaction of light with a shockwave

In summary: The shockwave causes a change in the density of the medium which in turn affects the speed of light. In summary, the conversation discusses the interaction between light and shockwaves. The understanding is that light travels independently due to electromagnetic waves, while shockwaves require a medium for transmission. The question arises of how they interact when traveling through different mediums, and it is suggested that light may slow down when passing through a more dense area and then speed back up upon exiting. The concept of refractive index and the speed of light in different mediums is also mentioned. The conversation concludes with a mention of Schlieren photography as an example of how shockwaves can be seen in action.
  • #1
Jstuff
15
0
Hello,

I am trying to understand how light would interact with a shockwave, but for that I need to make sure my understanding of the physics of light is correct.

It is my understanding that light travels independent of a medium because of the electromagnetic waves it produces.

A wave, such as a shockwave, requires a medium to travel through. Particles must bump into other particles to transmit the energy of the wave. If these two things travel in different medium how do they interact? They obviously must because we can see a shockwave when it forms.

Does light simply slow down when it reaches the area of more dense particles that is the shockwave then speed back up, upon exit? Do they influence each other at all?

Thanks for you input!
 
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  • #2
Not quite a direct answer to your question but for interest Google 'Schlieren images of shockwaves'
 
Last edited:
  • #3
The shockwaves that one can see sometimes around fighter planes are due to water droplets.

The other thing (as in Schlieren photography) is caused by variation in the refractive index with density.
 
  • #4
Jstuff said:
It is my understanding that light travels independent of a medium because of the electromagnetic waves it produces.
No, the speed of light is different in different media. A vacuum can also be a "medium" for the transmission of electromagnetic waves, where they reach their maximum speed which we call c. In any other medium, the speed of light is less than c.
Jstuff said:
Does light simply slow down when it reaches the area of more dense particles that is the shockwave then speed back up, upon exit?
"Simply" is probably going a bit far, but basically this is what happens, yes.
 

1. How does light interact with a shockwave?

When a shockwave passes through a medium, it creates a sudden change in pressure and density. This change in the medium's properties causes the light passing through it to refract or bend, leading to changes in the light's direction and intensity.

2. What is the phenomenon known as the "Mach stem" in relation to light and shockwaves?

The Mach stem is a bright, concentrated region of light that forms when a shockwave propagates through a medium at supersonic speeds. This phenomenon occurs due to the focusing and amplification of light waves as they pass through the shock front.

3. Can light be used to measure the properties of a shockwave?

Yes, light can be used as a diagnostic tool to measure the velocity, density, and temperature of a shockwave. By analyzing changes in the light's properties as it interacts with the shockwave, scientists can obtain valuable information about the shockwave's characteristics.

4. How does the angle of incidence affect the behavior of light interacting with a shockwave?

The angle of incidence, or the angle at which the light ray approaches the shockwave, plays a crucial role in determining the light's behavior. As the angle of incidence increases, the light is more likely to reflect off the shock front rather than refract through it. This behavior is known as total internal reflection and is commonly observed in shock-tube experiments.

5. Can the interaction of light with a shockwave be used for practical applications?

Yes, the interaction of light with shockwaves has several practical applications, including the development of high-speed imaging techniques and shockwave sensors for aerospace and defense industries. It also plays a crucial role in the study of astrophysics and the formation of stars and galaxies.

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