Date :

13. Ultrasonic Interferometer

Background
Ultrasonic wave
Ultrasonic interferometer
Sound velocity
Frequency
Wavelength
Sound pressure
Stationary wave

Aim of the experiment

To determine the speed of ultrasonic waves in a non-electrolytic liquid by ultrasonic
interferometer.

Apparatus required
Ultrasonic interferometer
High frequency generator

Theory
An Ultrasonic Interferometer is a simple and direct device to determine the ultrasonic velocity
in liquids with a high degree of accuracy.
The principle used in the measurement of velocity (V) is based on the accurate determination of
the wavelength (λ) in the medium. Ultrasonic waves of known frequency (f) are produced by a quartz
plate fixed at the bottom of the cell. These waves are reflected by a movable metallic plate kept
parallel to the quartz plate. If the separation between these two plates is exactly a whole multiple of
the sound wavelength, standing waves are formed in the medium. This acoustic resonance gives rise
to an electrical reaction on the generator driving the quartz plate and the anode current of the generator
becomes maximum.
If the distance is now increased or decreased and the variation is exactly one half wavelength
(λ/2) or multiple of it, anode current again becomes maximum. If the separation between quartz plate
and metallic plate is changed by d between two successive maximum anode current, then
d = λ/2 … (1)

From the knowledge of wavelength (λ), the velocity (V) can be obtained by the relation :

V = λ × f =2df. … (2)

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 Ultrasonic Interferometer
Procedure

1. Adjustments of ultrasonic interferometer :

(a) Insert the cell in the square base socket and clamp to it with the help of a screw provided
on one of its side.
(b) Unscrew the knurled cap of cell and lift it away from double walled construction of the cell. In
the middle portion of it pour experimental liquid and screw the knurled cap.
(c) Two chutes in double wall construction are provided for water circulation to maintain desired
temperature
(d) Connect the High frequency Generator with cell by co-axial cable provided with the
instrument.

2. For initial adjustment two knobs are provided on high frequency generator, one is marked ‘Adj’
and the other with ‘Gain’. With knob marked ‘Adj’ the position of the needle on the Ammeter is
adjusted and the knob marked ‘Gain’ is used to increase the sensitivity of the instrument for
greater deflection if desired. The meter is used to notice the number of maximum deflections
while micrometer is moved up and down in liquid.

3. The micrometer is slowly moved till the anode current on the meter on the High Frequency
Generator shows a maximum. Note the anode current and the micrometer reading.

Observations
Least count of the micrometer (l.c) :

Frequency of the ultrasound wave (f) :

Table 1
Reading of the micrometer to determine the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave

No. of Micrometer Anode current (I)

Obs. reading (d1) (mA)
(mm)

Continued

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 Ultrasonic Interferometer
No. of Micrometer Anode current (I)
Obs. reading (d1) (mA)
(mm)

Continued

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 Ultrasonic Interferometer
No. of Micrometer Anode current (I)
Obs. reading (d1) (mA)
(mm)

Continued
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 Ultrasonic Interferometer
No. of Micrometer Anode current (I)
Obs. reading (d1) (mA)
(mm)

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 Ultrasonic Interferometer

Calculation and Results

Plot a graph between d1 vs I

The sample plot showing the variation of crystal current with position of the reflector

Table 2

Determination of velocity of ultrasonic waves in…………….

d(cm) d av f (sec-1) V= 2×dav×f

(from graph) (cm) (given) (m. sec-1)

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 Ultrasonic Interferometer

Error calculation

Since, V = 2fd av
δV δf δ (d )
∴ = +
V f d av
δ (d )
= [since the value of f is supplied]
d av
δ (d ) = 2 × least count of the micrometer (l.c)
The maximum percentage error in determining V
2.lc
= × 100
d av

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 Ultrasonic Interferometer

Discussion

1. Do not switch on the generator without filling the experimental liquid in the cell.
2. Remove experimental liquid out of cell after use and keep it clean and dry.
3. Keep micrometer open at 25 mm after use.
4. Avoid sudden rise or fall in temperature of circulated liquid to prevent thermal shock to the
quartz crystal.
5. While cleaning the cell care should be taken not to spoil or scratch the gold plating on the
quartz crystal.
6. Give your generator 15 seconds warming up time before observation.

Questions

1. What is ultrasonic interferometer?

2. Why have we used non-electrolytic liquid?
3. Are the speed of ultrasonic and audible sound wave same?
4. Which sound waves can be called ultrasonic?
5. Is there Doppler effect for ultrasonic wave?
6. Explain how ultrasonic waves can be produced in the laboratory?
7. What is the range of frequency of audible sound?
8. What are the methods used to produce ultrasonic waves?
9. What is magnetostriction and direct piezo electric effect?
10. Suppose you are provided with a ultrasonic wave generator, a liquid cell, a sodium light source
and a spectrometer. Will you be able to determine the speed of the ultrasonic wave?

References
1. The Feynman Lectures on Physics (Vol I) by R.P. Feynman 530 FEY/L
2. Advanced Level Physics by M. Nelkon and P. Parkar 530 NEL/A
3. Methods of Experimental Physics Vol. 19, Ed. P.D. Edmunds 534.55 ED

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 Ultrasonic Interferometer

Graph : Ultrasonic Interferometer

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