Graphing sound waves at the bottom of the ocean

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on graphing sound waves as they travel to the ocean bottom using sonar technology. Participants clarify that the time values on the graph represent the total duration for sound waves to reach the ocean floor and return as echoes. The speed of sound in ocean water is established at an average of 1500 m/s, which is crucial for calculating depth based on the time delay observed. The task involves creating a graph that visually represents the ocean bottom, with the surface defined at y = 0 and negative values indicating depths.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sonar technology and its application in marine environments.
  • Knowledge of basic physics equations, specifically v = d/t.
  • Familiarity with graphing techniques and interpreting graphical data.
  • Basic comprehension of sound wave propagation in water.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of sonar technology and its applications in oceanography.
  • Learn how to calculate depth using time delay and sound speed in water.
  • Explore graphing software tools for visualizing data, such as MATLAB or Python's Matplotlib.
  • Study the effects of temperature on sound speed in ocean water for more accurate measurements.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying marine physics, oceanographers, and educators looking to enhance their understanding of sonar technology and sound wave behavior in aquatic environments.

MyNewPony
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Homework Statement



Ships measure the distance to the ocean bottom with sonar. A pulse of sound waves is aimed at the ocean bottom, then sensitive microphones listen for the echo. The graph shows the delay time as a function of the ship's position as it crosses 60 km of ocean.

Draw a graph of the ocean bottom. Let the ocean surface define y = 0 and ocean bottom have negative values of y. This way your graph will be a picture of the ocean bottom. The speed of sound in ocean water varies slightly with temperature, but you can use 1500 m/s as an average value.

http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1071083/10/20.P46.jpg

Homework Equations



v = d/t

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not how to interpret the graph given. Do the time values represent how long it takes for the waves to get to the bottom? Or do they represent how long it takes for the waves to reach the bottom and echo back?
 
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MyNewPony said:
Or do they represent how long it takes for the waves to reach the bottom and echo back?

Doesn't it say:
ProblemStatement said:
A pulse of sound waves is aimed at the ocean bottom, then sensitive microphones listen for the echo.
 

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