Exploring Sound Effects in Nuclear Bomb Explosions: The Day After Movie

The movie 'The Day After' portrays a disturbing yet realistic scenario of a nuclear war. In one notable sequence, when Doctor Oakes (Jason Robards) drops to the passenger seat of his car while listening to the radio during the attack, a high-pitched whistling sound is heard. This sound effect is often questioned, leading to discussions about why it is there and if it is realistic.

Unrealistic Sound Effects in Media

Sometimes, filmmakers use sound effects for dramatic purposes rather than for realism. One such example is the high-pitched whistling sound heard in 'The Day After.' Let's explore why this sound is added to movies and why it may not be entirely accurate.

Satellite Based Radio Reception

The whistling sound is often attributed to the local radio station transmitter melting due to an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). While this was indeed tested in the 1950s, it is important to note that modern car radios are designed to withstand such effects. In the context of 'The Day After,' the whistling sound could be a simplification or exaggeration used for dramatic effect rather than an accurate depiction of what would happen.

Interference and Whistling Sounds

There are other causes of whistling sounds in movies, often seen in aircraft scenes. For example, some aircraft, like the Ju87 Stuka, could produce a similar whistling sound in a dive due to the interference of air hitting the squared-off edges of the aluminum landing gear. This sound can be easily eliminated by rounding the edges. The whistling sound in such instances is created by air hitting an interference edge, much like a coach's whistle or the siren of a plane.

Sound and Vacuum in Space Battles

Movies often add sound effects for scenes like space battles, but it's important to remember that sound cannot travel in a vacuum. Sound waves require a medium to propagate, such as air, water, or solid objects. Since space is a vacuum, any sound would be blocked or absorbed rather than reaching the destination ear or camera. Therefore, the inclusion of such sounds in movies is purely for dramatic effect, enhancing the intensity and realism of the scene.

The Reality of Nuclear Explosions

Nuclear explosions primarily produce a shock wave and a low-frequency sound known as "nuclear bang" or "bong." This sound is often described as a dull thud and is significantly lower in frequency compared to a whistle. The shock wave travels faster than the speed of sound, so if a whistling sound is heard, it likely means the shock wave has already passed. This is seen in a video from the Annie nuclear tests, where there is no whistling sound during the blast. This further supports the notion that the whistling sound in 'The Day After' is not an accurate representation of a nuclear explosion.

Conclusion

While movies like 'The Day After' aim to provide a realistic portrayal of nuclear war, many of the sound effects used are simplifications or exaggerations. Understanding the realities of nuclear explosions, radio reception, and sound propagation can help in distinguishing between what is realistic and what is simply a dramatic enhancement for storytelling purposes.