Real-Life Applications

The man-made processes in which sound can be made are ultrasound and simple noises. Many
transducers can convert ultrasonic waves into electric waves. They give off strong echoes that
create stronger electric pulses than weak ones do. A special computer registers the data that the
pulses and echoes give off. Then the computer can give information on the substances that
reflected the ultrasonic waves. Air that is passed through the vocal cords causes them to vibrate.
Longitudinal vibration of the vocal chords makes surrounding air vibrate.

Medicine

    Sound waves are used when performing ultrasound tests. Ultrasound tests are used on pregnant
women to detect many structural and functional abnormalities in a fetus. Ultrasound may also aid
in the detection of heart disease, tumors, gall stones, and other disorders.

Industry

    Ultrasound is used by manufacturers to measure the wall thickness of metal or plastic pipes and
to test the concentration of particles in inks and paints. Sonar devices locate schools of fish,
enemy ships, and underwater obstacles through the use of ultrasound. Geophysicists can use
sound in exploring for minerals and petroleum and also locate possible mineral or oil bearing
rock formations. One way to use sound in industry is through music. Music is based on sound
waves which are used in instruments and amplifiers.

Science

    Scientists have invented whistles and other devices that produce ultrasound. An ultrasonic
transducer converts electric energy into ultrasonic waves. These waves can also be converted
into electric energy by transducers. One way to use the sound wave in science is a sonar wave.
A sonar wave uses a sound wave to see how far or deep something is. This is mainly used for
underwater research.

Consumer Goods

Today's Use of Sound Technology:

~Cellular Telephone, Motion Picture, Telephone, C.D.'s
~Televisions, Phonographs, Electronics, Hearing Aids
~Video Tape Recorders, Video Cameras, Speakers, Stethoscopes
~Microphone
~Recording and Reproducing Sound
 

    The essential components of sound recording and reproduction are the microphone, speaker and
amplifier. A microphone changes sound waves into electric signals that correspond to a patterns
of the waves. The speaker changes those electric signals produced by a microphone back into
sound. An amplifier strengthens the electric signals to increase the volume. Every phonograph,
public address system, radio, tape recorders, television, and sound system must have an
amplifier and speaker.

A Sonic Boom

    A sonic boom is the thunder-like noise that a person may hear when an airplane flies over the
individual at a supersonic rate. ( faster then the speed of sound.) A sonic boom is caused when a
shock wave forms a cone of pressurized air molecules which move in all directions. When the
cone spreads across the landscape, it creates a continuous sonic boom around the full width of
the cone's base. The sharp release of pressure after the buildup by the shock wave is known as a
sonic boom.