How high levels of ultrasound can be created in Air?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the creation of high levels of ultrasound in air, exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of generating ultrasound, its effects, and safety considerations. Participants are approaching the topic from an acoustics and ultrasound perspective.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the methods for generating high levels of ultrasound in air and whether to focus on ultrasound specifically or sound levels in general.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the dangers of high levels of ultrasound, with references to potential non-auditory discomforts and health risks.
  • One participant mentions a theoretical limit of 194 dB for sound levels in air and questions if this applies to ultrasound as well, while also noting the strong attenuation of ultrasound in air.
  • There is a mention of using a tone generator, amplifier, and ultrasonic speaker to create ultrasound, with a participant sharing personal experience with generating ultrasound through their laptop.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the validity of claims regarding sound level limits and the effects of high frequency on sound levels, prompting requests for references and further information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential dangers of high levels of ultrasound but express differing views on the specifics of sound level limits and the effects of frequency on sound levels. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact parameters and implications of generating ultrasound in air.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the maximum sound levels for ultrasound, the dependence on definitions of sound and ultrasound, and unresolved questions about the effects of frequency and attenuation in air.

Piotr99
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Please can someone explain me how high levels of ultrasound can be created in Air?
Should we consider the Ultrasound or we should concentrate only on sound level in Air as frequency ultrasound have no effect on sound level?
 
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Piotr99 said:
Please can someone explain me how high levels of ultrasound can be created in Air?
Should we consider the Ultrasound or we should concentrate only on sound level in Air as frequency ultrasound have no effect on sound level?
Welcome to the PF.

What is the context of your question? What are you trying to do?
 
Hi Mentor,

Thank you for reply. This is a question which is going on top of my head as I am approaching Acoustics and Ultrasound subject.
 
Piotr99 said:
Hi Mentor,

Thank you for reply. This is a question which is going on top of my head as I am approaching Acoustics and Ultrasound subject.
You do understand that high levels of ultrasound in air can be dangerous, right? Can you say why that is true?
 
Of course, I think the limits are 120 dB for Ultrasound based on WHO but I saw some standards stating lower limits. Why is dangerous because causing all kinds of non-auditory discomforts and probably more stuff..
But my theoretical questions is how high levels of ultrasound can be created in Air? I know based on Sound Level in Air that the highest level is around 194 dB. But can we say it will be 194 dB for ultrasound as well? Have high frequency affect the sound level due to strong attenuation of Ultrasound in air?
 
Piotr99 said:
...
But my theoretical questions is how high levels of ultrasound can be created in Air?
With a tone generator, an amplifier, and an ultrasonic capable speaker?
Being somewhat old, everything above 12,000 hz is ultrasonic, so my laptop, add on speakers, and on-line tone generator were able to create "ultrasound".
I know based on Sound Level in Air that the highest level is around 194 dB. But can we say it will be 194 dB for ultrasound as well?
wiki claims that that is a "dubious" claim. [ref] Do you have a reference for that? I searched for about 20 minutes and couldn't find a source for the claim.
Have high frequency affect the sound level due to strong attenuation of Ultrasound in air?
I don't know. Have you googled it?
 
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berkeman said:
You do understand that high levels of ultrasound in air can be dangerous, right? Can you say why that is true?
Well, I don't know about Piotr, but I now understand.

Note to home experimenters: This is a horrible experiment to try on yourself. My ears are still ringing!
 
berkeman said:
You do understand that high levels of ultrasound in air can be dangerous, right? Can you say why that is true?
It can be dangerous, both for people and for things， be careful， if you're not a professional or a scientist
 

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