What Frequency is Needed for Effective Ultrasonic Cleaning?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the minimum frequency required for effective ultrasonic cleaning of particles approximately 3.0 X 10-2 cm in diameter in an aqueous bath. The speed of sound in water is established at 1500 m/s, leading to a calculated frequency of 5 x 106 Hz. Participants emphasize the importance of using SI units consistently to avoid conversion errors, particularly when dealing with non-dimensionless results.

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Homework Statement



Particles approximately 3.0 X 10-2 cm in diameter are to be scrubbed loose from machine parts in an aqueous ultrasonic cleaning bath. Above what frequency should the bath be operated to produce wavelengths of this size and smaller?



Homework Equations



speed of sound in water = 1500 m/s
frequency = (speed of sound)/wavelength




The Attempt at a Solution



1500x10^4/3 = 5x10^6 Hz
does this sound right?
 
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Hi

Yes, your calculations seem correct. But let me give you a tip, always do your calculations in SI units. You have the velocity in SI unit, why not change the diameter to SI instead of the other way around?

In this case you are alright since frequency is dimensionless. However, in a case where the result is not dimensionless you will save time and minimized conversion errors risks having used SI units to begin with.

Cheers!
 

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