Phenomenon and Application of Reflection of Sound Waves

10.3  Phenomenon and Application of Reflection of Sound Waves
   

Phenomenon of Reflection of Sound Waves

  • An echo is produced when sound waves are reflected from a hard surface. The echo sounds the same as the original sound but takes some time to reach the listener's ears
  • An echo can be heard in empty rooms, caves and tunnels

Application of Reflection of Sound Waves

  • The reflection of different sound waves can be produced when sound waves hit different surfaces
  • Example : Ultrasound - can be heard by animals such as bats which use it for navigation

Limitations of Hearing

  • The limited sense of hearing in humans make us unable to hear soft sounds and sounds from a distance
Devices to overcome human limitations of hearing
  1. Stethoscope
  2. Megaphone
  3. Hearing aids