How deep is the water if it takes a pulse of ultrasound 0.8s to be received back at the boat. the speed of ultrasound is 1600m/s in water

firstly we know how fast the wave is travelling and we know for how long so using our speed equals distance over time equation we can rearange for distance (D= VT).

we can the plug in our speed(V) and our time (T) to get distance = 1600 x 0.8                                     this gives use a distance of 1280 m.

however we have to rememeber that the wave had to go down to the sea floor then back up to the boat so it has travelled two times the depth of the sea.

therefore the depth of the sea is 1280 / 2  = 640m

RC
Answered by Ross C. Physics tutor

6177 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How long have you been studying physics?


What is the difference between velocity and speed?


The focal length of the lens is 10 cm. Calculate the power of the lens. State the unit.


which part of the electromagnetic spectrum provides most of the energy to heat the water in a solar thermal power station?, how does this heated water allow electricity to be generated?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences