Supersonic vs. Ultrasonic: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 20, 2024
Supersonic refers to speeds faster than the speed of sound in air, while ultrasonic refers to sound waves with frequencies above the upper limit of human hearing.
Key Differences
Supersonic pertains to objects or phenomena that travel faster than the speed of sound in a given medium, typically air. The speed of sound in air at sea level is approximately 343 meters per second (1235 kilometers per hour or 767 miles per hour). Ultrasonic refers to sound waves that have frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing, which is about 20,000 Hertz (20 kHz). These sound waves are not audible to humans and are used in various applications such as medical imaging (ultrasound), industrial nondestructive testing, and cleaning.
Supersonic speeds can cause phenomena such as sonic booms, which are shock waves created by an object traveling through the air faster than the speed of sound. Ultrasonic waves, on the other hand, are utilized in technology and medicine for their ability to penetrate materials and provide detailed imaging or cleaning without causing damage.
Supersonic is typically associated with high-speed travel and aerodynamics, whereas ultrasonic is related to high-frequency sound waves and their applications in various fields.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Speeds faster than the speed of sound
Sound waves with frequencies above 20 kHz
Typical Speed/Frequency
Above 343 m/s (1235 km/h or 767 mph)
Above 20,000 Hertz (20 kHz)
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Phenomena
Sonic booms, shock waves
Used in medical imaging, cleaning, and testing
Common Uses
High-speed aircraft, bullets
Ultrasound imaging, industrial cleaning, and testing
Human Perception
Not directly perceivable by sound
Not audible, detected with specialized equipment
Associated Fields
Aerodynamics, aviation
Medicine, industrial applications
Supersonic and Ultrasonic Definitions
Supersonic
Traveling faster than the speed of sound.
The Concorde was a supersonic passenger jet capable of flying faster than the speed of sound.
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Ultrasonic
Beyond the range of human hearing.
Bats navigate by emitting ultrasonic sounds and listening for echoes.
Supersonic
Often describes high-speed aircraft and projectiles.
Many military jets are designed to operate at supersonic speeds.
Ultrasonic
Sound waves with frequencies higher than 20 kHz.
Ultrasonic waves are used in medical imaging to view internal organs.
Supersonic
Pertains to aerodynamics and high-speed travel.
Engineers study supersonic flow to improve aircraft performance.
Ultrasonic
Applied in nondestructive testing to detect flaws in materials.
Ultrasonic testing is used to inspect the integrity of metal structures.
Supersonic
Involves velocities greater than 343 meters per second.
Supersonic missiles can travel faster than the speed of sound.
Ultrasonic
Utilized in various technological applications.
Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to clean delicate items.
Supersonic
Having, caused by, or relating to a speed greater than the speed of sound in a given medium, especially air.
Ultrasonic
Relevant in fields requiring high-frequency sound for precise operations.
Dentists use ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque from teeth.
Supersonic
Of or relating to sound waves with a frequency above the range audible to the human ear; ultrasonic.
Ultrasonic
Of or relating to acoustic frequencies above the range audible to the human ear, or above approximately 20,000 hertz.
Supersonic
(of a speed) Greater than the speed of sound (in the same medium, and at the same temperature and pressure).
Ultrasonic
Of, relating to, or involving ultrasound.
Supersonic
Ultrasonic, having a frequency too high to be audible.
Ultrasonic
(acoustics) Beyond (higher in frequency than) the range of sound perceptible to the human ear; with a frequency of 20 kilohertz or higher.
Supersonic
An aircraft that can travel at the speed of sound.
Ultrasonic
Having frequencies above those of audible sound
Supersonic
Moving at a speed greater than the speed of sound in air; - this speed varies with altitude, since the speed of sound varies with altitude, as well as with temperature and humidity, being approximately 1129 feet per second at sea level and 984 feet per second at 16 miles altitude.
Supersonic
Capable of moving at speeds higher than the speed of sound; - of aircraft.
Supersonic
(of speed) greater than the speed of sound in a given medium (especially air);
A supersonic bomber flies so fast that it must release its bombs while the target is still over the horizon
Aircraft flying at subsonic speeds
Supersonic
Having frequencies above those of audible sound
Supersonic
Related to phenomena occurring at such speeds.
Supersonic speeds create shock waves known as sonic booms.
FAQs
Can humans hear supersonic sounds?
No, supersonic refers to speed, not sound frequency. The effects of supersonic speeds, such as sonic booms, can be heard.
Can humans hear ultrasonic sounds?
No, ultrasonic sounds have frequencies above the range of human hearing.
What is a common application of supersonic technology?
Supersonic technology is commonly used in high-speed aircraft, such as fighter jets and the Concorde.
How are ultrasonic waves used in medicine?
Ultrasonic waves are used in ultrasound imaging to create pictures of the inside of the body.
What speed is considered supersonic?
Speeds above 343 meters per second (1235 km/h or 767 mph) in air are considered supersonic.
What does ultrasonic mean?
Ultrasonic refers to sound waves with frequencies above the upper limit of human hearing, typically above 20 kHz.
What is a common application of ultrasonic technology?
Ultrasonic technology is commonly used in medical imaging, such as ultrasounds.
What is a sonic boom?
A sonic boom is a loud sound caused by the shock waves created when an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound.
What does supersonic mean?
Supersonic refers to speeds that exceed the speed of sound in a given medium, typically air.
What are the effects of supersonic speeds on aircraft?
Supersonic speeds can cause increased aerodynamic heating and create shock waves, impacting aircraft design and performance.
What are the effects of ultrasonic waves on materials?
Ultrasonic waves can penetrate materials, making them useful for imaging, cleaning, and testing without damaging the material.
Is supersonic travel common in commercial aviation?
No, supersonic travel is not common in commercial aviation due to high costs and noise regulations, although research continues.
What fields benefit from ultrasonic technology?
Fields like medicine, industrial manufacturing, and research benefit from ultrasonic technology.
What frequency is considered ultrasonic?
Frequencies above 20,000 Hertz (20 kHz) are considered ultrasonic.
Can ultrasonic waves be dangerous?
Ultrasonic waves are generally safe at the levels used in medical and industrial applications, but high-intensity ultrasonic waves can be harmful.
What are the challenges of supersonic flight?
Challenges include aerodynamic heating, noise pollution from sonic booms, and high fuel consumption.
What are the challenges of using ultrasonic technology?
Challenges include ensuring proper calibration of equipment and avoiding damage to sensitive items with high-intensity waves.
What fields benefit from supersonic speeds?
Fields like aviation, aerospace, and military technology benefit from supersonic speeds.
Is ultrasonic cleaning effective?
Yes, ultrasonic cleaning is highly effective for cleaning delicate and complex items without physical contact.
Can supersonic speeds be dangerous?
Yes, supersonic speeds can create dangerous shock waves and require careful design and operation of vehicles.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
