"The crack of a whip comes from a loop traveling along the whip, gaining speed until it reaches the speed of sound and creates a sonic boom," Professor Goriely of the University of Arizona Department of Mathematics said.

Do whips break sound barrier?

The tip of a bullwhip is thought to be the first human-made object to break the sound barrier, resulting in the telltale "crack" of the whip. This "crack" sound is actually a small sonic boom. To break the sound barrier, you (or your bullwhip) must exceed about 770 mph at sea level.

Why do cowboys crack whips?

Used to roust cattle from dense, tangled vegetation and keep them moving on swampy trails, the tool does not strike the animal. The distinctive crack of a well-placed throw just over their heads usually elicits response. Whips are also used to communicate.