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Why does a whip crack?

Updated: 9/11/2023
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16y ago

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A whip cracks because when it is "whipped" properly, the end of the whip actually breaks the sound barrier. By swinging the whip back and then jerking it forward in a properly timed motion, the end, which is moving rapidly backward, is forced to very quickly change direction and go forward. It is at this transition that, if the motion of the individual wielding the whip is adequate, the end reverses direction so quickly that it breaks the sound barrier and the crack! of the whip is heard.

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16y ago
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Q: Why does a whip crack?
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What do a joke a safe and a whip have in common?

You can crack a joke, crack a safe and crack a whip.


What is sound made by whip called?

Crack, as in the crack of a whip.


Is the crack of a whip a sonic boom?

yes


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The crack of the whip is the air molecules trying to push through each other and around each other after the tip of the whip breaks the speed of sound.


How do you spell the noise of a whip cracking?

The sound effect for the "crack of a whip" is sometimes "whoo-PAH!"


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To crack the whip means to make employees or other underlings work harder.


What are the first two lines of the Devo song Whip It?

Do you mean the first two lines in the sheet music, or the first two lines that rhyme? If you're asking about the actual music, it's "Crack that whip, give your past the slip Step on a crack, break your mama's back"


What do the egg safe and whip have in common?

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Where does the phrase fair crack of the whip come from?

The phrase "fair crack of the whip" originated in Australia and comes from the practice of horse racing. It refers to giving everyone an equitable and just opportunity or chance to compete or succeed.


What was the first human invention to break the speed of sound?

The whip, contrary to popular belief the "crack" the whip makes is not the sound of the whip hitting itself, it is a sonic boom.


What was the first man-made invention to break the sound barrier?

Probably the whip. The distinctive crack of a whip is made when the end of it breaks the sound barrier.


Can a bullwhip create a sonic boom?

The sound of the crack! of a bullwhip is the tip of the whip breaking the sound barrier and creating a small sonic boom. The shockwave is perceived as the crack! of the whip. In that light, yes, the bullwhip can create a sonic boom.