Sonic Weapons

Why in News?

Protesters in Serbia are accusing the government of using a sonic weapon to disperse and intimidate them during a recent anti-government rally in Belgrade.

• Sonic weapons or sound cannon are devices that deliver very loud sounds over long distances.
• This technology is used for crowd-control purposes by emitting loud and painful levels of noise.
• These weapons fire sound waves instead of bullets to emit extremely loud noises.
• These devices can also be used to act like voice amplifiers to deliver voice messages or other sounds.
• The acoustic signals from sound cannon can be heard loudly up to a kilometer (0.62 miles) away, because the sound waves are fired at a high-pressure rate.
• Types

A normal conversation takes place at roughly 60 decibels, while a crying baby can crack 80 or even 100 decibels.

• Working - These weapons usually comprise hundreds of modern transducers, an electronic device that converts energy from one form to another.
• It creates highly concentrated and amplified sound can focus on specific targeted areas.
• The sound is designed to be controlled by police officers who can alter the frequency, level, quality, and duration of the alarm.
• Effects on Humans - Sounds higher than 90 or 100 decibels are uncomfortable to hearing people.
• The sound waves hit the eardrum at high pressure and can cause significant damage as a result.
• Permanent hearing damage or tinnitus can also occur after short exposure.
• Psychological damage can also occur.
• It also has fatal consequences when the sound waves rupture internal organs, including the lungs, in people within the immediate vicinity of the blast.

Reference

NDTV - Sonic Weapon