Tag: ultrasound and its applications

The sound waves having frequency higher than 20,000 Hz is

called ultrasonic waves. Human beings can"t hear Ultra sound. Bats and dolphins detect the presence of any obstacle by

hearing the echo of the sound produced by them.

An echo is the repetition of sound that results as a reflection from a surface. An echo of the sound produced can be heard only if it reaches our ear after 1 / 10th of a second. This is due to the persistence of sound.

we can hear echoes anywhere, where the distance between the source and the point of reflection is sufficient enough.

As the sensation of sound persists in our brain for about 0.1 s, to hear a distinct echo the time interval between the original sound and the reflected one must be at least 0.1 s. If we take the speed of sound to be 344 m/s at a given temperature, say at 22 $^0C$ in air, sound must go to the obstacle and reach back the ear of the listener on reflection after 0.1s.
 
Hence, the total distance covered by the sound from the point of generation to the reflecting surface and back should be at least (344 m/s) ×0.1 s = 34.4 m. Thus, for hearing distinct echoes, the minimum distance of the obstacle from the source of sound must be half of this distance. I.e., $\frac{34.4}{2} \approx 17 \,m$

As the sensation of sound persists in our brain for about 0.1 s, to hear a distinct echo the time interval between the original sound and the reflected one must be at least 0.1 s. If we take the speed of sound to be 344 m/s at a given temperature, say at 22 $^0C$ in air, sound must go to the obstacle and reach back the ear of the listener on reflection after 0.1s.
 
Hence, the total distance covered by the sound from the point of generation to the reflecting surface and back should be at least (344 m/s) ×0.1 s = 34.4 m. Thus, for hearing distinct echoes, the minimum distance of the obstacle from the source of sound must be half of this distance. I.e., $\frac{34.4}{2} \approx 17 \,m$

The time gap between the two sounds-direct and echo depends upon the medium through which the sound travels. These two sounds can be heard distinctly provided the Distance between the observer and the reflecting surface is large enough to allow the reflected sound to reach him without interfering with the direct sound.

The time gap between the two sounds-direct and echo depends upon the medium through which the sound travels. These two sounds can be heard distinctly provided the Distance between the observer and the reflecting surface is large enough to allow the reflected sound to reach him without interfering with the direct sound.

In rooms having walls less than 17.2 m away from each other, no echo can be heard.

For the production of an echo, the reflecting surface or the obstacle should be rigid such as building, hill, cliff.
Echo can be produced if the size of the obstacle reflecting the sound is quite large.

The minimum distance in air between the observer and the obstacle for an echo to be heard clearly at temperatures higher than $25^o$C is more than 17.2 m.
The speed of sound increases with rise in temperature.