Ultrasound vs. Sonar — What's the Difference?

A technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside the body.

Active sonar emits pulses of sounds and listens for echoes.

Non-destructive testing method for materials.

Passive sonar listens without sending out sound.

Also refers to any sound waves at frequencies above 20,000 Hz.

Ecological monitoring tool to study seabed and marine life.

Used in various industries for cleaning, mixing, and accelerating chemical processes.

Used in fishing to locate schools of fish.

Therapeutic tool to promote tissue healing.

A system that uses sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater.

Ultrasound is sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is not different from "normal" (audible) sound in its physical properties, except that humans cannot hear it.

Sonar (sound navigation and ranging) is a technique that uses sound propagation (usually underwater, as in submarine navigation) to navigate, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water, such as other vessels. Two types of technology share the name "sonar": passive sonar is essentially listening for the sound made by vessels; active sonar is emitting pulses of sounds and listening for echoes.

Sound or other vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency, particularly as used in medical imaging

A system using transmitted and reflected underwater sound waves to detect and locate submerged objects or measure the distance to the floor of a body of water.

Ultrasonic sound.

An apparatus, as one in a submarine, using sonar.

The use of ultrasonic waves for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, specifically to image an internal body structure, monitor a developing fetus, or generate localized deep heat to the tissues.

Echolocation.

An image produced by ultrasound.

(nautical) echolocation

(physics) Sound with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing, which is approximately 20 kilohertz.

(nautical) A device that uses hydrophones (in the same manner as radar) to locate objects underwater.

(medicine) The use of ultrasonic waves for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

A measuring instrument that sends out an acoustic pulse in water and measures distances in terms of the time for the echo of the pulse to return; sonar is an acronym for sound navigation ranging; asdic is an acronym for anti-submarine detection investigation committee

(ambitransitive) To treat with ultrasound.

Very high frequency sound; used in ultrasonography

Using the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ (a sonogram); commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs

Sonar operates by emitting sound waves and detecting their echoes, which helps in identifying the location and size of objects underwater.

No, ultrasound waves have frequencies above the upper limit of human hearing and are inaudible to humans.

Yes, ultrasound is also used in industrial applications like cleaning, material inspection, and in non-medical imaging.

Ultrasound has minimal environmental impact, making it suitable for diverse applications including ecological studies.

There are two main types: active sonar, which emits pulses and listens for echoes, and passive sonar, which only listens.

Yes, professionals must undergo specific training to perform and interpret ultrasound examinations effectively.

Ultrasound is considered safe when used by trained professionals; it uses non-ionizing radiation, which doesn’t pose the same risks as ionizing radiation.

Yes, therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment modality used to promote tissue healing and relieve pain.

Ultrasound is primarily used for medical imaging, such as in prenatal care and diagnosing various internal conditions.

Active sonar can disturb or harm marine life, as the intense sound waves can disorient or injure aquatic animals.

Passive sonar detects underwater noises and does not emit its own signal, used especially in military surveillance to avoid detection.

Sonar accuracy depends on the water conditions and the technology used but is generally effective for navigation and object detection underwater.

While prevalent in military applications, sonar is also used in marine biology, fishing, and underwater archaeology.

While ultrasound is not typically used for navigation, sonar is specifically designed for navigational use in underwater environments.

Sonar technology varies from simple hand-held devices used by divers to complex systems installed on submarines or ships.