What is an ultrasonic wave?
It is well known that when dolphins communicate with each other and when bats are locating their prey, an ultrasonic wave is being used. An ultrasonic wave may be defined as a high frequency sound wave above ~20kHz, i.e., beyond the range of human hearing. Ultrasonics is the science of sound waves above the limits of human audibility. Other features of ultrasounds include: • An ultrasonic wave may be transmitted in either a solid, liquid or gas • Within a solid, an ultrasonic wave passes as a longitudinal wave • An ultrasonic wave has sound pressure with high change grade and power density. Considering these features of an ultrasonic wave, there are many possible technological applications in the physical sciences which may utilize these unique characteristics of ultrasound.
