Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
14:22
Activating Molecules, Ions, and Solid Particles with Acoustic Cavitation
Published on: April 11, 2014
Summary
Acoustic cavitation, induced by ultrasonic irradiation, generates extreme temperatures within bubbles. Sonoluminescence spectroscopy revealed effective cavitation temperatures reaching approximately 5075 K in silicone oil.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Acoustics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Ultrasonic irradiation of liquids induces acoustic cavitation, characterized by bubble formation, growth, and collapse.
- Bubble collapse generates localized hot spots, leading to high-energy chemical reactions and light emission (sonoluminescence).
- Accurately measuring the temperatures within collapsing cavitation bubbles is experimentally challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize sonoluminescence as a spectroscopic probe to determine the temperatures generated during acoustic cavitation.
- To analyze the sonoluminescence spectra emitted from silicone oil under ultrasonic irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of silicone oil with ultrasound to induce acoustic cavitation.
- Spectroscopic analysis of the emitted sonoluminescence.
- Modeling observed spectra using synthetic spectra based on rotational and vibrational temperatures.
Main Results:
- Sonoluminescence spectra were recorded and analyzed for silicone oil.
- The emission was identified as originating from excited state C(2) (Swan band transitions).
- Effective cavitation temperatures were determined to be 5075 ± 156 K.
Conclusions:
- Sonoluminescence spectroscopy is a viable method for probing high-energy phenomena in acoustic cavitation.
- The study provides a quantitative measurement of the extreme temperatures achieved during cavitation in silicone oil.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
The equilibrium between a liquid and its vapor depends on the temperature of the system; a rise in temperature causes a corresponding rise in the vapor pressure of its liquid. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation gives the quantitative relation between a substance’s vapor pressure (P) and its temperature (T); it predicts the rate at which vapor pressure increases per unit increase in temperature.
02:44Heating and Cooling Curves
When a substance—isolated from its environment—is subjected to heat changes, corresponding changes in temperature and phase of the substance is observed; this is graphically represented by heating and cooling curves.
For instance, the addition of heat raises the temperature of a solid; the amount of heat absorbed depends on the heat capacity of the solid (q = mcsolidΔT). According to thermochemistry, the relation between the amount of heat absorbed or released by a substance, q, and its...
For instance, the addition of heat raises the temperature of a solid; the amount of heat absorbed depends on the heat capacity of the solid (q = mcsolidΔT). According to thermochemistry, the relation between the amount of heat absorbed or released by a substance, q, and its...
01:11Temperature and Thermal Equilibrium
Heat and temperature are essential concepts for everyone every day. The study of heat and temperature is part of an area of physics known as thermodynamics. It is not always easy to distinguish heat and temperature.
The concept of temperature has evolved from the common concepts of hot and cold. The scientific definition of temperature explains more than just our sense of hot and cold. Temperature is operationally defined as the quantity measured with a thermometer. Furthermore, temperature is...
The concept of temperature has evolved from the common concepts of hot and cold. The scientific definition of temperature explains more than just our sense of hot and cold. Temperature is operationally defined as the quantity measured with a thermometer. Furthermore, temperature is...
01:18pV-Diagrams
The pV diagram, which is a graph of pressure versus volume of the gas under study, is helpful in describing certain aspects of the substance. When the substance behaves like an ideal gas, the ideal gas equation describes the relationship between its pressure and volume. On a pV diagram, it is common to plot an isotherm, which is a curve showing p as a function of V with the number of molecules and the temperature fixed. Then, for an ideal gas, the product of the pressure of the gas and its...
01:28Vapor Pressure of Fluid
The vapor pressure of a fluid is a crucial concept in fluid mechanics, influencing phenomena such as boiling and cavitation. Vapor pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a vapor at a state of thermodynamic equilibrium with its corresponding liquid phase at a specific temperature. It represents the tendency of molecules to escape from the fluid surface into the vapor phase.
When a liquid is placed in a closed container with a small air space, and the space is evacuated, vapor molecules will...
When a liquid is placed in a closed container with a small air space, and the space is evacuated, vapor molecules will...
01:09Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving
Carbonation is a process used to dissolve carbon dioxide gas in a liquid, commonly used in the production of carbonated beverages. Achieving efficient carbonation requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and flow conditions. By adjusting these parameters, carbonation efficiency can be maximized, producing a higher concentration of CO2 in the liquid.
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...