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Research Paper On Sonic Waves

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Whether or not you realize it, there is energy all around us. This energy changes and influences the way the world works. When someone tells you to think of energy, the first thing that likely comes to mind is electricity or heat, as that is what we commonly see and hear about. If you are asked to think of a powerful kind of energy, you may think of radiation or fire, as they can kill people and destroy forests. Although these may be the most obvious kinds of energy, there is another kind of energy that can be both more helpful and more dangerous; shock waves. These waves surround us, yet we have only just began to explore their many uses. Shock waves can be used by animals and humans for both utility and offense.

Shock waves, also called …show more content…

If we are constantly surrounded by sound and energy, how can it be dangerous? Although most of these waves are harmless, in some cases they can do serious damage. Sonic booms are strong waves of sound capable of crumbling buildings and killing animals. Sonic booms are created when an object goes faster than the speed of sound, or supersonic, which causes the sound waves to overlap. This overlapping forms a cone behind the object, called the sonic cone, where there is an abundance of energy. The impact of this energy can have the same force as a wrecking ball. It is illegal to fly at supersonic speeds near land without permission as the boom can shatter windows, crumble concrete, and implode the eardrums of animals and humans (Scientific American, …show more content…

A rumor that almost everyone has heard of or seen at one point is an opera singer breaking glass with nothing but their voice. Although it seems like an awesome power, it is sadly less than real. The idea is that the performer would sing at the objects resonant frequency loud enough to shatter the glass. Resonant frequency is the frequency that an object vibrates at when hit. When a sound at an object's resonant frequency is played, it causes the object to vibrate. Ideally, the glass would shatter because it vibrates itself to pieces (Schrock, 2007). In theory it is possible, but a human cannot create enough volume without machinery to shatter glass unless it is the finest, most fragile crystal. Normal glass is simply too

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