Question

Distinguish ultrasonic, sonic and infrasonic waves.

Short answer

Sonic waves are audible (20 Hz - 20 kHz), infrasonic waves are below audible frequency (< 20 Hz), and ultrasonic waves are above audible frequency (> 20 kHz).

Step-by-step solution

- Define Sonic Waves

Sonic waves, also known as audible waves, are sound waves that fall within the human hearing range, typically between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz.

- Define Infrasonic Waves

Infrasonic waves are sound waves with frequencies below the human hearing range, specifically below 20 Hz. These waves are often produced by natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ocean waves.

- Define Ultrasonic Waves

Ultrasonic waves are sound waves with frequencies above the human hearing range, typically greater than 20,000 Hz. They are commonly used in medical imaging (ultrasound) and industrial applications such as cleaning and welding.

Key concepts

Sonic Waves

Sonic waves, also known as audible waves, are the sound waves that humans can hear. These waves typically have frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. The human ear is designed to detect these frequencies, allowing us to hear a wide range of sounds from low bass notes to high-pitched tones. A common example is the sound of music or spoken language.
Sonic waves are crucial for communication. They are used in everything from everyday conversations to sophisticated audio systems.

• Sonic wave frequency range: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
• Examples of sonic waves: music, speech, environmental sounds.
• Importance: Communication, entertainment, alerts.

Infrasonic Waves

Infrasonic waves have frequencies below the human hearing range, specifically under 20 Hz. While humans cannot hear these sounds, we can sometimes feel them as vibrations. Natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ocean waves often produce infrasonic waves. These waves can travel long distances through various mediums, making them useful in geological and environmental studies.
Infrasonic waves help scientists monitor natural events and gather important data.

• Infrasonic wave frequency range: Below 20 Hz.
• Examples of infrasonic waves: Earthquake tremors, volcanic eruptions, large ocean waves.
• Importance: Earthquake prediction, environmental monitoring, studying geological phenomena.

Ultrasonic Waves

Ultrasonic waves have frequencies above the human hearing range, typically greater than 20,000 Hz. These waves are highly useful in various fields due to their ability to penetrate different materials. In medicine, ultrasonic waves are used in ultrasound imaging to visualize internal organs and monitor pregnancies. In industry, they are used for non-destructive testing, cleaning, welding, and even pest control.
Ultrasonic waves offer precise and versatile applications.

• Ultrasonic wave frequency range: Above 20,000 Hz.
• Examples of ultrasonic waves: Medical ultrasound, industrial cleaning, welding, pest control devices.
• Importance: Medical diagnostics, industrial applications, safe and non-invasive methods.