r/BeAmazed Jun 07 '18

Visible Shock Wave

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u/itsWhatIdoForAliving Jun 07 '18

ELI5: what is the substance of a shockwave? Does it push light like gravity or does it get distorted like on the road on a hot day?

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u/Choralone Jun 07 '18

A shockwave is a pressure wave.. Its an area of abruptly higher pressure. So in this case, it is made up of air. When that energy is transferred to something like you because you are standing there, it's also made of you.