SONAR: Echo vs Reflection of Sound Waves

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Fiona Rozario
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the principles of SONAR, specifically the terminology used to describe its operation, such as "echo of sound waves" versus "reflection of sound waves." The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation of SONAR's functionality, particularly in active SONAR systems.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that "echo of sound waves" and "reflection of sound waves" are essentially the same but may differ in accuracy depending on context.
  • One participant emphasizes that in active SONAR, a pulse is sent, and the time taken for the reflection to return is crucial for determining distance, implying a distinction in the operational definition.
  • Another participant points out that the term "echo" is necessary for echolocation to function, as merely having a reflection does not suffice for this purpose.
  • A participant introduces the historical term ASDIC, noting its specific application in submarine detection, which adds context to the discussion of SONAR terminology.
  • There is a quiz question posed regarding the use of sharp angled polygons in stealth technology, suggesting a connection to SONAR's application in military contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the accuracy of the terms "echo" and "reflection" in describing SONAR, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of "echo" and "reflection" may not be fully articulated, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of these terms in the context of SONAR functionality.

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...
 
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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? :smile:
 
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...
 
Okay, so you are not including the "communication" aspect of SONAR then (as mentioned in the Wikipedia article).
Fiona Rozario said:
'echo of sound waves' less accurate than 'reflection of sound waves'
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.

Quiz Question -- why are sharp angled polygons used in stealth aircraft and ships? :smile:

http://www.jetpix.com/webfiles/stealth/stealth8.jpg
stealth8.jpg
 
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.
 

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