Sonic booms occur when an object flies faster than the speed of sound, which is about 750 mph but can vary depending on the temperature, altitude and other conditions.
When an object flies faster than the speed of sound it become supersonic. Air reacts like fluid to supersonic objects.
As the supersonic object, like an F-16 fighter jet, travels through the air, molecules are pushed aside with great force, making a shock wave, like a boat creating a wake in the water, according to NASA.
The shock wave forms a cone of pressurized or built-up air molecules, which move in all directions and down to the ground.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
As this cone spreads out along the flight path, the sharp release of pressure after the buildup by the shock wave is heard as the sonic boom.
That loud, jarring noise is what many in the D.C. area heard Sunday afternoon as F-16s responded to a plane in restricted airspace.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox.
