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what is sonic boom

A sonic boom is a loud noise which is produced when an object displaces air so quickly that it forms a shock wave. Some examples of things which can cause sonic booms include: lightning, the space shuttle, bull whips, and extremely fast aircraft. People hear sonic booms as low booming sounds, with the boom often sounding a double beat. Sonic booms are of scientific interest, and they are also a concern, because they can cause damage or generate noise pollution; many militaries have dealt with a number of civilian complaints as a result of sonic booms generated by their aircraft.


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