SONAR
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 is an acronym for Sound Navigation And Ranging.
Example: SONAR
Question
A ship sends a signal to the bottom of the ocean to determine the depth of the ocean. The speed of sound in sea water is \(\text{1 450}\) \(\text{m·s$^{-1}$}\). If the signal is received \(\text{1.5}\) \(\text{seconds}\) later, how deep is the ocean at that point?
Step 1: Identify what is given and what is being asked
\begin{align*} s & = \text{1 450}\text{ m·s$^{-1}$} \\ t & = \text{1.5}\text{ seconds} \text{ there and back} \\ \therefore t & = \text{0.75}\text{ seconds} \text{ one way} \\ D & = ? \end{align*}Step 2: Calculate the distance
\begin{align*} \text{Distance } & = \text{ speed } \times \text{ time } \\ D & = s \times t \\ & = (\text{1 450}\text{ m·s$^{-1}$})(\text{0.75}\text{ s}) \\ & = \text{1 087.5}\text{ m} \end{align*}This lesson is part of:
Mechanical Waves and Sound
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