A whip is a tapered flexible length of either a single cord or plaited (braided) leather or other material, commonly with a stiff handle. Whips are traditionally used to produce a loud sharp sound—a "crack"—to drive or direct livestock or harnessed animals.
When rapidly moved in a particular motion at the base, whips "crack" and make a loud noise. It was thought until recently that this was because their tails have broken the sound barrier. But according to a 2002 research by Alain Goriely, though the tip does break the sound barrier, the sonic boom itself is produced by the loop as it speeds toward the tip.
Other devices made of straps and used to strike human beings or animals as a means of control or punishment or torture are sometimes also called whips—though they do not crack. These may include riding crops, horse whips, and various flogging instruments.
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Bullwhip - Faster than Sound - Picture and information about bullwhips and sonic booms, presented by Nova Online.
Bullwhip Home Page - Focuses on terminology, safety, history and physics.
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Drew's Whips - Includes general information on whip construction and what makes a whip crack.
Matt's Whip Fan Site - Includes photos, safety tips and glossary.
Matt's Whip Page - Tips for cracking, list of training videos, book reviews and pictures provided.
Meta Description: [ Grab your Whip. If you enjoy Bullwhips and Whipcracking, you've found the friendliest place on the web. ]
Morgan Whips - Offers custom handcrafted nylon bullwhips and snakewhips. Includes the maker's profile, construction details, photos, prices and care tips.
Meta Description: [ Morgan Whips. Nylon bullwhips and snakewhips. Handmade by Michael Morgan. Whips are available in many lengths, colors, and plaited designs. Custom made to order. ]
NPR : The Shape of a Cracking Whip - Scott Simon talks with math Professor Alain Goriely about his explanation of what makes a whip crack.
Meta Description: [ Scott Simon talks with math Professor Alain Goriely about his explanation of what makes a whip crack. ]
Singletail Whip Links - A list of Internet addresses and links to singletail whip makers, sellers, performers and information.
Meta Description: [ A list of internet addresses and links to singletail whip makers, sellers, performers and information ]
Taipan's Sled Whips - Find information on the making of nylon whips along with pictures.
Meta Description: [ Information and links to the sport whip cracker ]
Web Donkey Whips - Features a description of whip history, types, construction and a reference publication.
Whip Care - Offers a brief description on whip care.
Whip Care and Repairs - Information on general care, cleaning and dressing with pictures and list of books provided.
Whip Maintanence - Tips and tricks for breaking in and caring for new whips along with information how to make popper provided.
Whoosh: Whips in Xena Warrior Princess - Fanzine discusses the whips used in the television show, but focuses more on how to choose a whip, crack a whip, and tend to a whip. Offers related links.
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