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Fiona Rozario
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When asked what the principle of SONAR is, is writing 'echo of sound waves' less accurate than 'reflection of sound waves'? They basically are the same...
SONAR: Echo vs Reflection of Sound Waves
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In summary, the conversation discusses the principle of SONAR and the accuracy of the phrases "echo of sound waves" and "reflection of sound waves" when describing it. The concept of active SONAR and its use in detecting the distance of objects is also mentioned. Additionally, the conversation briefly touches on the use of sharp angled polygons in stealth aircraft and ships and the history of the British term for submarine detection systems, ASDIC.
- #2
berkeman
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Maybe have a look at the Wikipedia definition -- it has a little more than just echolocation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonar
Do you think you should expand your definition slightly?
Do you think you should expand your definition slightly?
- #3
Fiona Rozario
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Thanks...i was referring to active SONAR. A pulse is sent and the time lapse till its reflection is heard is found to find the distance of an object...
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berkeman
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Okay, so you are not including the "communication" aspect of SONAR then (as mentioned in the Wikipedia article).
Quiz Question -- why are sharp angled polygons used in stealth aircraft and ships?
http://www.jetpix.com/webfiles/stealth/stealth8.jpg
Either phrase could be considered accurate, although technically you do need to detect the "echo" for echolocation to work. Just having a reflection of sound waves is not enough for echolocation to occur.Fiona Rozario said:
Quiz Question -- why are sharp angled polygons used in stealth aircraft and ships?
http://www.jetpix.com/webfiles/stealth/stealth8.jpg
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sophiecentaur
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ASDIC (link) was the British name for the system that was used for specifically detecting submarines.
(1935-40; A(nti-)S(ubmarine) D(etection) I(nvestigation) C(ommittee))
I can't think of a good reason for putting "committee" on the end, except to terminate the acronym so yo could say it easily. Pity it dropped out of use.
(1935-40; A(nti-)S(ubmarine) D(etection) I(nvestigation) C(ommittee))
I can't think of a good reason for putting "committee" on the end, except to terminate the acronym so yo could say it easily. Pity it dropped out of use.
What is SONAR and how does it work?
SONAR stands for Sound Navigation And Ranging and is a technology used to detect objects underwater. It works by emitting sound waves, which then bounce off objects and return to the source. The time it takes for the waves to return and the intensity of the return signal are used to calculate the distance and location of objects.
What is the difference between echo and reflection in SONAR?
Echo and reflection both refer to the bounced sound waves in SONAR. Echo specifically refers to a distinct, audible repetition of the original sound, while reflection can also include weaker or distorted signals. Echoes are often used to detect larger objects, while reflections can reveal smaller or more complex structures.
How accurate is SONAR in detecting objects underwater?
The accuracy of SONAR depends on various factors such as the frequency of the sound waves, water conditions, and the size and shape of the object being detected. In general, SONAR can accurately detect objects within a few meters, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances.
Can SONAR be used for purposes other than detecting objects underwater?
While SONAR is primarily used for underwater navigation and detection, it can also be used for other purposes such as measuring the depth of bodies of water, mapping the ocean floor, and studying marine life. It has also been adapted for use in medical imaging and in some military applications.
What are some potential drawbacks or limitations of using SONAR?
One potential drawback of using SONAR is that it can cause disturbances in marine life, particularly in sensitive species such as dolphins and whales. It also has a limited range and may not be able to detect smaller objects or those that are buried or hidden. Additionally, factors such as background noise and water conditions can affect the accuracy of SONAR readings.
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