Shock waves are powerful disturbances that travel through a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials. They occur when an object moves faster than the speed of sound in that medium, creating a sudden change in pressure. This phenomenon is commonly associated with events like explosions or the sonic booms produced by supersonic aircraft, such as the Concorde. When a shock wave passes through a medium, it compresses and displaces the surrounding particles, leading to a rapid increase in pressure and temperature. This can result in various effects, including damage to structures and changes in the environment. Understanding shock waves is essential in fields like aerospace engineering and seismology.