logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2010
32m 39s

How Sonar Works

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode
Sonar uses sound to gauge the distance between objects. Although most people associate sonar with submarines, humans use sonar for a lot more than underwater navigation. In this episode, Jonathan and Chris take a look at the mechanics behind sonar. 
Up next
Nov 21
Week in Tech: Could a Dead Cat Sink Waymo?
<p>Would you buy a boat or a midcentury sideboard from your high school pals? Because Oz&rsquo;s alma mater has opened an <em>exclusive</em> online marketplace for just this purpose! This week, Oz spins a yarn about Kitkat, the San Francisco cat killed by a Waymo. Locals are furi ... Show More
32m 47s
Nov 19
The Story: The UK’s Race for Second Place in the Chip Wars
<p>This week, Oz talks to Nick McKeown, who is a member of the PM&rsquo;s Council of Science and Technology, where he advises the British government on the best opportunities for economic growth in the tech sector. And according to Nick, that opportunity is AI Chips. He argues th ... Show More
30m 36s
Nov 18
Unlocking Our Quantum Future
<p>Malcolm Gladwell heads to San Francisco Tech Week to talk with IBM&rsquo;s new Director of Research Jay Gambetta in front of a live audience. They discuss IBM&rsquo;s plans to scale quantum computing power, the groundbreaking experiments already underway, and what impact these ... Show More
53m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2019
How Did Sealab Work?
In the 1960s, advances in technology allowed brave aquanauts to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before, but the project was shut down. Learn how Sealab worked -- and how that technology is still used today -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices ... Show More
5m 47s
Jan 2021
BrainStuff Classics: What Animal Has the Best Echolocation Abilities?
Bats, dolphins, and other animals all use sonar to navigate, but the narwhal has them all beat, and it's thanks to narwhals' distinctive horns. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio ... Show More
3m 49s
Apr 2021
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are the Oceans Salty?
Seawater is salty because of several quirks in Earth's water cycle. Learn the reasons why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/why-is-seawater-salty.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at ... Show More
3m 8s
May 2015
How do aircraft carriers work?
<p>Aircraft carriers contain some of the most advanced technology in the world. Learn more about aircraft and aircraft carriers in this podcast.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a> ... Show More
1m 32s
Jul 2021
Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 3
The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind three-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental ... Show More
49m 16s
Dec 2019
BrainStuff Classics: How Long Would It Take To Walk Around The World?
This is a more complicated question than it seems because oceans definitely get in the way, but there are a few ways to attempt to walk around the entire globe -- and a few people who have tried. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at ... Show More
6m 56s
Feb 2016
Why do your ears pop when you dive in a deep pool?
<p>Have you ever wondered why your ears pop when you plunge into the deep end of a swimming pool? It's all about keeping your ear drum happy, as this HowStuffWorks podcast reveals.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">http ... Show More
2m 39s
Feb 2021
How Do Axolotls Work?
These amphibians spend their entire lives in the water and can regrow any part of their body. Learn more about the axolotl in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
6m 55s
Jan 2018
Can Bats Jam Each Other's Sonar?
<p>Bats use sonar to find food in the dark -- but they've got a lot of competition from other bats. Learn about echolocation and how bats go on the offensive in this episode of BrainStuff.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.c ... Show More
3m 12s
Dec 2020
How Does the Larynx Work?
The larynx contains the voice box or vocal cords, and it's one of the organs that helps humans speak. Learn more about it in this episode of BrainStuff Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
5m 22s