Read the following case and answer the questions given below:
During a science exhibition, students observe several applications of sound waves that cannot always be heard by humans.
A doctor demonstrates medical ultrasonography, in which ultrasonic waves are sent into the body. The reflected waves from different internal structures are detected and used to obtain information about structures inside the body. The students also learn that ultrasonic waves can be used in the treatment of kidney stones, where they help break the stones into smaller pieces.
An engineer then demonstrates how ultrasonic waves are used to inspect a large metal component. Since the component is expensive and must not be damaged, it cannot simply be cut open to check its inside. Ultrasonic testing can help detect internal defects without cutting the component open.
Finally, the students learn that some naturally occurring sound waves have frequencies so low that humans cannot hear them. Such very low-frequency waves can be associated with natural events such as earthquakes and storms. Although people may not hear these waves, suitable instruments can detect and study them.
A doctor demonstrates medical ultrasonography, in which ultrasonic waves are sent into the body. The reflected waves from different internal structures are detected and used to obtain information about structures inside the body. The students also learn that ultrasonic waves can be used in the treatment of kidney stones, where they help break the stones into smaller pieces.
An engineer then demonstrates how ultrasonic waves are used to inspect a large metal component. Since the component is expensive and must not be damaged, it cannot simply be cut open to check its inside. Ultrasonic testing can help detect internal defects without cutting the component open.
Finally, the students learn that some naturally occurring sound waves have frequencies so low that humans cannot hear them. Such very low-frequency waves can be associated with natural events such as earthquakes and storms. Although people may not hear these waves, suitable instruments can detect and study them.
1. A doctor needs to examine internal structures of a patient's body without making a cut. Another patient needs treatment for kidney stones. Based on the case, explain how the same type of sound wave can be useful in both situations.
The sound wave used in both situations is an ultrasonic wave. In medical ultrasonography, ultrasonic waves are sent into the body and the reflected waves from internal structures are detected to . Ultrasonic waves can also be used in the , where they help break the stones into smaller pieces. Thus, ultrasonic waves can have different applications in medicine depending on how they are used.
2. An engineer has to inspect a large metal component for a possible internal crack. The component is expensive and must remain intact, so cutting it open is not an option. Based on the case, explain why ultrasonic testing would be suitable for this situation.
Ultrasonic testing is suitable because ultrasonic waves can be used to obtain information about . The waves can be used to inspect the large metal component without physically opening it. Therefore, the engineer can look for a possible internal crack , which is important when the component is expensive and needs to remain intact.
3. A monitoring station records very low-frequency sound waves during a severe natural event. People nearby cannot hear these waves, but scientific instruments can detect them. Based on the case, explain why such waves can still be useful even though humans cannot hear them. Also identify the natural events mentioned in the case that can be associated with such very low-frequency waves.
These waves can still be useful because their frequency may be , so people cannot hear them even though suitable instruments can detect them. Very low-frequency waves can be associated with , as mentioned in the case. Therefore, the fact that humans cannot hear a sound does not mean that the sound wave cannot be detected or studied scientifically.