8.1 Applications  (Page 2/3)

In echo-sounding the reflections from ultrasound pulses that are bounced off objects (for example the bottom of the sea, fish etc.) are picked up. The reflections are timed and since their speed is known, the distance to the object can be found. This information can be built into a picture of the object that reflects the ultrasound pulses.

Sonar

Ships on the ocean make use of the reflecting properties of sound waves to determine the depth of the ocean. A sound wave is transmitted and bounces off the seabed. Because the speed of sound is known and the time lapse between sending and receiving the sound can be measured, the distance from the ship to the bottom of the ocean can be determined, This is called sonar, which stands from So und N avigation A nd R anging.

Echolocation

Animals like dolphins and bats make use of sounds waves to find their way. Just like ships on the ocean, bats use sonar to navigate. Ultrasound waves that are sent out are reflected off the objects around the animal. Bats, or dolphins, then use the reflected sounds to form a “picture” of their surroundings. This is called echolocation.

Intensity of sound (not included in caps - advanced)

Intensity is one indicator of amplitude. Intensity is the energy transmitted over a unit of area each second.

Intensity

Intensity is defined as:

By the definition of intensity, we can see that the units of intensity are

The unit of intensity is the decibel (symbol: dB). This reduces to an SI equivalent of $\mathrm{W}·{\mathrm{m}}^{-2}$ .

The average threshold of hearing is ${10}^{-12}\mathrm{W}·{\mathrm{m}}^{-2}$ . Below this intensity, the sound is too soft for the ear to hear. The threshold of pain is $1.0\mathrm{W}·{\mathrm{m}}^{-2}$ . Above this intensity a sound is so loud it becomes uncomfortable for the ear.

Notice that there is a factor of ${10}^{12}$ between the thresholds of hearing and pain. This is one reason we define the decibel (dB) scale.

In this way we can compress the whole hearing intensity scale into a range from 0 dB to 120 dB.