Yes, sound waves can be used to measure distances over long ranges. This principle is known as sonar (sound navigation and ranging) or acoustic ranging. Sonar technology utilizes the properties of sound waves to determine the distance between an object and the source of sound.
In sonar systems, a sound wave is emitted from a source, such as a speaker or a transducer. The sound wave travels through a medium, such as air or water, and when it encounters an object, it gets reflected back towards the source. By measuring the time it takes for the sound wave to travel to the object and return, the distance to the object can be calculated.
The speed of sound in a particular medium is known, so by measuring the time it takes for the sound wave to travel back and forth, the distance can be determined using the formula: distance = speed of sound × time taken / 2.
Sonar technology is widely used in various applications, including underwater navigation, fish finding, depth measurement, and mapping the ocean floor. It is also used in automotive parking sensors and range-finding devices.
It's worth noting that the effectiveness of sonar systems can be influenced by factors such as the properties of the medium through which the sound waves propagate (such as water density), interference from other sources of sound, and the accuracy of timing measurements.