A sonic ranger is a device that determines the distance to an object by sending out an ultrasonic sound pulse and measuring how long it takes for the wave to return after it reflects from the object. Typically these devices cannot reliably detect an object that is less than half a meter from the sensor. Why is that?

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology Update (No access codes included)
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ISBN:9781305116399
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
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Chapter17: Sound Waves
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 17.7P: A dolphin (Fig. P17.7) in seawater at a temperature of 25C emits a sound wave directed toward the...
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A sonic ranger is a device that determines the distance to an object by sending out an ultrasonic sound pulse and measuring how long it takes for the wave to return after it reflects from the object. Typically these devices cannot reliably detect an object that is less than half a meter from the sensor. Why is that?

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