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 = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 12 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 340 m/s · Echo t = 12 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 23 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 23 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 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 = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 20 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 9 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 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 = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 20 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 22 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 22 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 14 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 14 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 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 = 340 m/s · Echo t = 10 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 2 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 2 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 3 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 3 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1520 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1520 m/s · Echo t = 9 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 9 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 12 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
2040 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 12 s) ÷ 2 = 2040 m.
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 23 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
16675 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 23 s) ÷ 2 = 16675 m.
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
14500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 20 s) ÷ 2 = 14500 m.
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
6525 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 9 s) ÷ 2 = 6525 m.
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
16000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 20 s) ÷ 2 = 16000 m.
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 22 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
55000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 22 s) ÷ 2 = 55000 m.
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 14 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
11200 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 14 s) ÷ 2 = 11200 m.
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 10 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
1700 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 10 s) ÷ 2 = 1700 m.
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 2 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
1600 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 2 s) ÷ 2 = 1600 m.
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 3 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
2175 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 3 s) ÷ 2 = 2175 m.
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1520 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
6840 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1520 m/s × 9 s) ÷ 2 = 6840 m.
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
22500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 9 s) ÷ 2 = 22500 m.

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 12 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 340 m/s · Echo t = 12 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 23 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 23 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 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 = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 20 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 9 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 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 = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 20 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 22 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 22 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 14 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 14 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 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 = 340 m/s · Echo t = 10 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 2 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1600 m/s · Echo t = 2 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 3 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1450 m/s · Echo t = 3 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1520 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 1520 m/s · Echo t = 9 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
Pulse Speed v = 5000 m/s · Echo t = 9 s · Pulse-Echo Distance: d = (v × t) ÷ 2

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 12 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
2040 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 12 s) ÷ 2 = 2040 m.
2. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 23 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
16675 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 23 s) ÷ 2 = 16675 m.
3. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
14500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 20 s) ÷ 2 = 14500 m.
4. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
6525 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 9 s) ÷ 2 = 6525 m.
5. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 20 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
16000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 20 s) ÷ 2 = 16000 m.
6. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 22 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
55000 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 22 s) ÷ 2 = 55000 m.
7. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 14 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
11200 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 14 s) ÷ 2 = 11200 m.
8. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 340 m/s and returns to the detector 10 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
1700 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (340 m/s × 10 s) ÷ 2 = 1700 m.
9. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1600 m/s and returns to the detector 2 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
1600 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1600 m/s × 2 s) ÷ 2 = 1600 m.
10. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1450 m/s and returns to the detector 3 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
2175 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1450 m/s × 3 s) ÷ 2 = 2175 m.
11. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 1520 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
6840 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (1520 m/s × 9 s) ÷ 2 = 6840 m.
12. An echo-sounding pulse travels through a medium at v = 5000 m/s and returns to the detector 9 s after emission. Using d = (v × t) ÷ 2, calculate the distance to the reflecting boundary.
22500 m
Because the pulse travels to the boundary and back, d = (v × t) ÷ 2 = (5000 m/s × 9 s) ÷ 2 = 22500 m.

12 questions · Seed 45 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification