Question

Dolphins emit sound bursts that range in frequency from 1 Hz to 120 kHz. Say that a dolphin is using a sound burst consisting of these frequencies as a form of sonar (like the bat example). Let the burst last for a time interval of 10 ms, after which it listens for 100 ms. Say that the logarithmic intensity (loudness) of the dolphin’s sound is 50 dB as measured at 1 m away. Dolphins can hear sounds that are 2 dB below our threshold of hearing. a)How far ahead can the dolphin “see” using this approach? b)What is the smallest object that the dolphin can ‘see’? (Use my definition of resolution limit). c)What is the largest object that the dolphin can ‘see’? d)What would be the amplitude of the pressure wave at 20 m from the dolphin? e)How far from the dolphin producing the sounds does another dolphin have to be before the sound intensity is below the threshold of hearing for dolphins?

Answer 1