Acoustics is a discipline of physics that studies the principles and phenomena related to sound. When sound waves have a frequency that exceeds 20,000 Hz, it is called ultrasound. If the frequency is lower than what the human ear can perceive, it is called infrasound. difference between ultrasound and infrasound
Ultrasound applications and scientific curiosities
Ultrasound technology has a wide range of applications: in the field of aesthetics and restorative medicine, in ultrasound or lithotripsy devices, in industrial applications or in some areas of chemistry .
In the field of medicine, this technology allows for a more accurate diagnosis, as the images obtained are the result of echoes transmitted by body structures.
Finally, it is worth noting that there are devices that use this technology to scare away the most aggressive animals. difference between ultrasound and infrasound
These sound waves were detected in the 18th century when the strategy of bats to capture their prey was observed. The study of light in motion in the 19th century was a determining factor in understanding ultrasound waves. The use of the tuning fork as a tuning element for musical instruments was decisive in understanding this dimension of sound. Dolphins and whales are the animals with the greatest capacity to capture this type of sound and this is only possible because they have a unique ability among living beings, echolocation.
Infrasound and its applications
When we are below the audible spectrum, we are facing an infrasound phenomenon. These sounds have some characteristics: they are emitted through spherical waves, if the frequency is high, they produce less absorption and are waves that can reach a greater distance. These inaudible acoustic waves have a structure similar to light rays, which allows them to travel very long distances without losing energy . difference between ultrasound and infrasound
In the animal world, some species employ this acoustic strategy to establish some kind of communication (for example, elephants detect these sounds because their auditory apparatus allows them to pick up the low frequency of these vibrations).
Some natural disasters generate major catastrophes, but paradoxically they are not audible (this is what happens with avalanches, volcanic eruptions and ocean waves).
Our body emits infrasounds and even though they are imperceptible from the auditory point of view, they can cause alterations and states of anxiety . Some events that cause panic reactions are related to this acoustic phenomenon. difference between ultrasound and infrasound
