Hand clapping is ubiquitous behavior for humans across time and cultures, serving many different purposes: to signify approval with applause, for instance, or to keep time to music. Acousticians often ...

Clapping is both a scientific event and a social gesture. A study explores the complex physics behind the sound of clapping. The noise originates from compressed air, not just hand collisions.

A content creator named Selva recently shared a video from her beach vacation in Brazil. As the sun began to set, people were walking and enjoying the view when she noticed a group clapping in unison.