Question

Which explanation best describes the nature of a sonic boom? O Sound waves generated by a supersonic object overlap and interfere constructively, creating a rapid pressure change along the edges of the Mach cone. Sound waves interfere constructively in front of, and interfere destructively behind, a supersonic object, creating a sudden sound change, or boom. The splitting of air molecules by the Doppler-shifted, ultra-high frequencies generated by a supersonic object create a boom in a way similar to thunder. Engine noise of a supersonic object is greatly amplified by the increase in pressure generated inside the Mach cone.

Answer 1

When the supersonic object passes through the air then the object creates pressure waves. These waves travel at sound speed when the speed of the object increases. These pressure waves are compressed together and forms a single shock wave and this shock wave moves with a critical speed known as Mach 1. That is, the generation of these sound waves due to overlap of supersonic object and creating a rapid pressure change along the edge of the Mach cone. Hence, the 1st option is correct.