Home
Back
Distance Calculation Using Speed of Sound:
| From: | To: |
The speed of sound distance calculation estimates the distance to an object by measuring the time it takes for a sound wave to travel to the object and back (echo time). This principle is used in sonar, ultrasound imaging, and various distance measurement applications.
The calculator uses the speed of sound distance formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the round-trip time of the sound wave (hence division by 2). The default speed of sound is 343 m/s (speed in dry air at 20°C).
Details: Accurate distance measurement using sound is crucial in applications like underwater navigation (sonar), medical imaging (ultrasound), and industrial thickness measurements.
Tips: Enter the echo time in seconds and the speed of sound in m/s for your medium (default is 343 m/s for air at 20°C). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why divide by 2 in the formula?
A: The sound wave travels to the object and back, so the measured time is for the round trip. Dividing by 2 gives the one-way distance.
Q2: What affects the speed of sound?
A: The speed varies with temperature, humidity, and medium (air, water, etc.). In air, it increases by about 0.6 m/s per °C temperature increase.
Q3: What's the practical range for this method?
A: In air, practical range is typically up to 100m. Underwater (sonar), it can measure kilometers depending on frequency and power.
Q4: How accurate is this method?
A: Accuracy depends on precise time measurement and knowing the exact speed of sound in the current conditions (temperature, medium composition).
Q5: Can this be used for medical applications?
A: Yes, medical ultrasound uses similar principles but with more complex calculations to account for tissue properties and multiple reflections.