Toronto explosion question?

Question

so, i heard on the news about the toronto explosion, and i heard about everyone feeling the shock wave. okay, what is a shock wave? i looked it up on every online dictionary possible and i cant find a definision!? im really worried, i have a friend up there so can you tell me what that is?

Answer 1

It's kind of like the after shocks of an earthquake - the ground kind of rumbles. Unless your friend is living really close to the explosion (within a mile), they probably didn't even feel it. There were only minor injuries to residents - however one firefighter and one worker at the plant died.

Answer 2

The shock wave is the vibration that can be felt throughout neighbouring communities.

Answer 3

The shock wave is air compression caused by rapid expansion of the air.  That expansion is caused by rapid heating, caused by the propane exploding

Answer 4

Picture in your mind a pond.  You throw a huge rock in the middle of the pond.  A circular wave forms at the location of where the rock went in and travels away from that location.  Now, instead of the rock, think the explosion.  Instead of a wave of water, think a wave of air traveling away from the explosion.