Is It Possible to Crack a Whip Faster than the Speed of Sound?

Thread starter BkBkBk
Start date Jun 24, 2010
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Crack

AI Thread Summary

Cracking a whip faster than the speed of sound is theoretically possible, but the sound of the crack would not be heard if the whip is cracked while moving faster than sound. The perception of the sound depends on the direction of the movement relative to the whip's crack. Inside a plane, one could crack the whip and hear it, while outside, cracking it forward would not allow for hearing the sound. However, cracking it backward might still produce audible results. The discussion highlights the relationship between speed, sound, and the direction of movement.

Jun 24, 2010

BkBkBk

Could you crack a whip while moving faster than the speed of sound?

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Jun 25, 2010

Eynstone

Yes, but you wouldn't hear the crack !

Jun 25, 2010

kaksmet

Depends on if you crack it before your ears or after your ears (measured in the direction of movement)

Jun 25, 2010

pallidin

If you were inside a plane, yes. If you were outside, forget about a forward crack(using your arm), though you might be able to do it backwards.

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