The sound of a clap of thunder can be heard on the ground when an aeroplane or
by- Indra bhan
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other object produces a shock wave that is equal to or faster than the speed of sound.
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The pressure disturbances or sounds produced by an aeroplane as it is moving at subsonic speed are audible in all directions.
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There are no abrupt disturbances or changes in pressure because this disturbance is continually conveyed from the earth to every location along the way.
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However, at supersonic speeds, the pressure field is limited to an area that mainly extends to the rear
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and extends from the craft in a constrained spreading cone (called a Mach cone).
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The trailing parabolic edge of the cone of disturbance intercepts the Earth as the airplane travels forward, making an audible boom or thud on the planet.
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The shock wave from such an aircraft may be powerful enough to break glass and cause other types of damage when it travels at a low altitude.
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The size and shape of the aircraft, the types of maneuvers it performs, and the atmospheric pressure, temperature,
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and winds are additional factors that affect the sonic boom's strength in addition to the distance between the aircraft and the ground.