Sonic measuring devices employ _____________ to take measurements.

Sonic measuring devices employ _____________ to take measurements.

• A. Light waves
• B. Sound waves
• C. Radio waves
• D. X-rays

Answer: (B)

Sonic measuring devices rely on sound waves to determine distance or thickness. They emit a sound pulse and wait for the echo to return, then convert the travel time into distance using the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. Because the pulse makes a round trip, the distance is calculated as half of the product of speed of sound and the round-trip time. Temperature, humidity, and the medium itself affect the speed of sound, so readings can vary with conditions and may require calibration. This approach uses acoustic waves, not light, radio waves, or X-rays, which is why sound is the correct basis for these measurements.

Sonic measuring devices rely on sound waves to determine distance or thickness. They emit a sound pulse and wait for the echo to return, then convert the travel time into distance using the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. Because the pulse makes a round trip, the distance is calculated as half of the product of speed of sound and the round-trip time. Temperature, humidity, and the medium itself affect the speed of sound, so readings can vary with conditions and may require calibration. This approach uses acoustic waves, not light, radio waves, or X-rays, which is why sound is the correct basis for these measurements.