Echoes and sonar - CCEAIndustrial uses of ultrasound
Sound is caused by the vibration of particles but not all vibrations can be heard as sound. Common ideas about sound come from the limited range of vibrations that human ears can detect.
Ultrasound can be used in industry to detect defects in metals.
Materials can be tested for internal faults and cracks that could lead to the failure of a structure under certain conditions.
Ultrasound imaging provides a quick method of detection and perhaps prevents serious accidents.
Cleaning jewellery
Ultrasound can be used to clean jewellery.
The vibrations caused by the ultrasound shake apart the dirt, breaking it up.
The principle is the same as the opera singer's trick, where a glass may shatter if the singer makes a high-pitched sound near to the glass which causes it to vibrate with large amplitudeThe maximum height of a wave from the middle of the wave to its peak or trough..