Applications of sound in medicine and industry
Sound is a type of energy that travels through air and other materials. It is produced when an object vibrates. These vibrations create sound waves that travel through mediums such as air, water, and solid surfaces. Sound is an important aspect of everyday life, not only for communication but also in various practical applications in medicine and industry. Let us learn about these in detail.
Sound in medicine
The use of sound in medicine is an interesting topic. Sound waves are used in many different ways to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. Here are some of the major applications:
1. Ultrasound imaging
Ultrasound imaging is one of the most common medical applications of sound. It uses high-frequency sound waves that are beyond the range of human hearing, known as ultrasound. These waves travel through the body and reflect off various structures. The reflected waves are captured by a computer and converted into an image.
Frequency for ultrasound imaging: 2 MHz to 18 MHz
Doctors use ultrasound to see babies in the womb (pregnancy ultrasound), examine organs, and check for conditions such as heart problems. Below is a simplified visual representation of how an ultrasound machine works:
2. Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to break up kidney stones. High-energy shock waves are focused on the stones, causing them to break into smaller pieces, which can then be easily passed out through urine.
Example: A person suffering from kidney stones can undergo a lithotripsy session. The focused shock waves will break up the stones without any invasive surgery, making it a less painful procedure.
3. Hearing aids and cochlear implants
Hearing aids amplify sound for people with hearing loss, while cochlear implants are electronic devices that help people with severe hearing loss perceive sound. Both use technology that processes sound waves to improve hearing ability.
4. Sound therapy
Sound therapy uses different sounds and frequencies to treat and manage mental health problems, stress and relaxation. It relies on the calming and restorative effects of certain sound vibrations to improve psychological well-being.
Sound in the industry
In industry, sound waves are used in various ways to improve efficiency, safety and productivity. Let us discuss some important applications:
1. Acoustic testing and non-destructive testing (NDT)
Acoustic testing is used to identify problems in materials or systems using sound waves. Non-destructive testing (NDT) involves methods that do not damage the object being tested. Ultrasonic testing, a form of NDT, uses high-frequency sound waves to detect defects in materials.
Speed of sound in steel: ~6000 m/s
Example: Inspecting a bridge for cracks or defects may involve sending sound waves through its structure. Changes in the wave pattern help engineers detect structural problems.
2. Sonar technology
Sonar (sound navigation and ranging) uses sound waves to detect underwater objects. It sends out sound waves and listens for their echo, which is analysed to determine the distance, size and speed of objects such as submarines, ships or schools of fish.
3. Acoustic levitation
In acoustic levitation, high-intensity sound waves are used to suspend small particles, droplets or even lightweight materials in the air, creating a pressure point that balances gravity.
Acoustic levitation is used in the handling of sensitive materials, such as moving delicate particles in laboratories, where contact with surfaces can cause contamination or reactions.
4. Sound-based cleaning
Sound waves can be used for cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt from items such as jewelry, components, and medical equipment.
Example: An ultrasonic cleaner vibrates a liquid solution at high speed, removing dirt from jewelry or surgical instruments. It is effective without using harsh chemicals.
Additional concepts in sound
How does sound travel?
Sound travels in waves and needs a medium such as air, water or a solid to travel through. The speed of sound depends on the medium:
- In air: about
340 m/s
- In water: about
1500 m/s
- In steel: about
6000 m/s
Frequency and pitch
The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), and it refers to the number of times the wave oscillates per second.
Pitch = Frequency
Higher frequencies are perceived as higher tones, and lower frequencies as lower tones. This is why the flute sounds "higher" than the tuba, which produces lower frequency sound waves.
Amplitude and loudness
The amplitude of a sound wave determines its loudness. Amplitude is a measure of the height of the wave and is related to how much energy the sound wave carries. The higher the amplitude, the louder the sound.
Conclusion
Sound plays an indispensable role in everyday life and in professional fields such as medicine and industry. From diagnosing diseases through ultrasound to ensuring the integrity of materials using acoustic testing, the applications of sound waves are varied and impressive. Understanding these applications helps us understand the importance of sound beyond just communication and the enjoyment of music.
As technology advances, the use of sound in these areas is likely to expand, leading to even more innovative solutions and improvements in both medical and industrial contexts.