ScienceAges 16-18

Echo sounding & pulse-echo distance

Use pulse-echo reflection d = (v × t) ÷ 2 to determine seabed depth or flaw distance from round-trip travel time. Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

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Age band:Ages 13-15 Ages 16-18

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Echo sounding & pulse-echo distance

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1400 m/s · Echo t = 13 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1500 m/s and returns to the detector 15 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1500 m/s · Echo t = 15 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 13 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 19 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 19 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 10 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 10 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 6 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 6 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 18 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 340 m/s · Echo t = 18 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 21 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 21 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 24 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 24 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 340 m/s · Echo t = 5 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1400 m/s · Echo t = 20 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 5 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

View the answer key

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Echo sounding & pulse-echo distance

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
9100 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1400 m/s × 13 s) ÷ 2 = 9100 m.
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1500 m/s and returns to the detector 15 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
11250 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1500 m/s × 15 s) ÷ 2 = 11250 m.
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
32500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 13 s) ÷ 2 = 32500 m.
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 19 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
47500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 19 s) ÷ 2 = 47500 m.
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 10 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
7250 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 10 s) ÷ 2 = 7250 m.
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 6 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
4350 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 6 s) ÷ 2 = 4350 m.
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 18 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
3060 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 18 s) ÷ 2 = 3060 m.
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 21 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
15225 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 21 s) ÷ 2 = 15225 m.
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 24 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
60000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 24 s) ÷ 2 = 60000 m.
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
850 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 5 s) ÷ 2 = 850 m.
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
14000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1400 m/s × 20 s) ÷ 2 = 14000 m.
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
4000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 5 s) ÷ 2 = 4000 m.

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Echo sounding & pulse-echo distance

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1400 m/s · Echo t = 13 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1500 m/s and returns to the detector 15 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1500 m/s · Echo t = 15 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 13 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 19 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 19 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 10 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 10 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 6 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 6 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 18 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 340 m/s · Echo t = 18 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 21 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 21 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 24 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 24 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 340 m/s · Echo t = 5 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1400 m/s · Echo t = 20 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 5 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Echo sounding & pulse-echo distance

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
9100 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1400 m/s × 13 s) ÷ 2 = 9100 m.
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1500 m/s and returns to the detector 15 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
11250 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1500 m/s × 15 s) ÷ 2 = 11250 m.
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 13 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
32500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 13 s) ÷ 2 = 32500 m.
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 19 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
47500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 19 s) ÷ 2 = 47500 m.
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 10 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
7250 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 10 s) ÷ 2 = 7250 m.
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 6 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
4350 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 6 s) ÷ 2 = 4350 m.
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 18 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
3060 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 18 s) ÷ 2 = 3060 m.
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 21 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
15225 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 21 s) ÷ 2 = 15225 m.
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 24 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
60000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 24 s) ÷ 2 = 60000 m.
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
850 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 5 s) ÷ 2 = 850 m.
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1400 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
14000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1400 m/s × 20 s) ÷ 2 = 14000 m.
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 5 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
4000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 5 s) ÷ 2 = 4000 m.

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification