Typically, when air is displaced by a pressure wave, it moves at the speed of sound. These pressure waves can be generated from one's vocal cords (when speaking), the vibration of an object, or the impact of one object against another. However, in certain cases, the pressure wave is generated by a collision between air parcels, such as when lightning heats the air immediately around it. This rapidly-expanding air crashes into the cooler air around it, generating a massive spike in pressure followed by a sharp drop-off. It is this sharp spike and drop-off combination that differentiates a sound wave and a shock wave. Shock waves can be either naturally generated, in the case of volcanic eruptions, lightning strikes, and asteroid impacts; however, they can also be generated through man-made means, such as explosives that derive their power either from chemical energy that is converted into thermal energy or by way of nuclear fission or fusion. If the pressure differential occurs in air where clouds can condense, the act of high pressure passing through the area and low pressure following can cause temporary "Wilson clouds" to form.
The shock wave generated by the explosion in Beirut generated Wilson ring clouds and severely damaged the city of Lebanon.
by Tornadopelt May 17, 2022
Get the shock wavemug. Media written with the intent of shocking viewers usually through using disturbing imagery or sensitive topics but comes off as poorly done, distasteful, immature, edgy, and/or plain gross.
DudeBro: Man, did you see that one Spongebob episode where Squidward got his toenail ripped off moving his couch?
ManBro: Dude, that episode is gross. I get the close-ups and all, but that one was trying way too hard.
DudeBro: Man, that episode was some awful shock schlock.
ManBro: Dude, that episode is gross. I get the close-ups and all, but that one was trying way too hard.
DudeBro: Man, that episode was some awful shock schlock.
by conflict dude July 21, 2024
Get the shock schlockmug. The unexpected sensation one gets when using their phone to take a picture, only to discover that they left the camera in selfie mode.
by Jfman August 30, 2018
Get the Selfie Shockmug. When sombebody is in so much shock that they littlerally fall out and fucking die when something happens.
Kid: Dude, put your phone up. you know the teacher gon go into septic shock when she see dat shit.
Other Kid: on god that old ass bitch might end up in the fucking hospital.
Other Kid: on god that old ass bitch might end up in the fucking hospital.
by batteryaciddeerankles June 3, 2023
Get the Septic Shockmug. Sepsis caused by human wine decanting
by Señor Cunnilingo January 26, 2021
Get the Cock Shockmug. When a cock leaves you flabbergasted. It could be because the cock is incredibly large or incredibly small. It could be because it has a fungus growing on it. For whatever reason the cock leaves you gobsmacked and stunned to silence.
by LOLLIPOP7400 February 26, 2022
Get the Cock shockmug. Overstimulation of the clit leading to general hypo-perfusion causing delirium and difficulty getting off a second time
by Slutty professionals,MA June 8, 2024
Get the Shock Clitmug.