How Fast Is TNT Explosion Shockwave?

TNT explosions produce shockwaves at 6,900 m/s — Mach 20. The pressure front hits before the sound: people near explosions feel the punch before they hear the boom. The shockwave is what causes most of the damage at close range.

A TNT shockwave hits people before the sound of the explosion arrives — the punch comes before the boom.

• Mach 20
• Pressure front hits before sound