Question

Scientists use sonar, or sound navigation and ranging, to map features of the ocean floor and locate hazards for navigation. Sonar emits sound waves through the water, and when these waves reflect off objects, the returning waves provide details about how far away objects are.



Why are sound waves a better option than light waves for this purpose?


Sound waves have a higher frequency than light waves.


Sound waves have a shorter wavelength than light waves.


Sound waves carry more energy in water than light waves.


Sound waves travel farther distances in water than light waves.

Answer 1

Sound waves travel farther distances in water than light waves.

Light is quickly absorbed and scattered in water, so it doesn't penetrate far; sound (especially low-frequency) propagates much farther and returns detectable echoes from the seafloor and objects.