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642 solution • SOS
a solid in a solid. A solution, typically, is molecular
(i.e., there is no chemical reaction between its
constituents). Also see SATURATED SOLUTION;
SOLUTE; SOLVENT, 1; and SUPERSATURATED
SOLUTION. 2. The result of solving a problem or
making a calculation. Also called answer or result.
solution conductivity The electrical conductivity
of a solution, such as an electrolyte. The conductivity
(and conversely, the resistance) depends on
the number and mobility of ions in the solution.
solution-conductivity bridge A direct-current
bridge specially designed and calibrated to measure
the conductivity of chemical solutions.
solution pressure In an electrolyte into which a
metal body is immersed, the force that causes the
metal to tend to pass into solution as positive
ions and to form a Helmholtz double layer.
solvent
1. A fluid that dissolves other materials.
2. The constituent of a solution that dissolves one
or more other constituents. Thus, in a saltwater
solution, water is the solvent and salt the solute.
Also see SOLUTION, 1.
SOM Abbreviation of start of message.
Sonalert Tradename for a small, but loud, sound
reproducer used with solid-state circuits for
alarm purposes.
sonar A system of detection and ranging by means
of sonic and ultrasonic signals. In this system of
echo ranging, the distance to an underwater object
is determined from the time it takes a sound
signal to reach the object and be reflected back to
the transmitter. The name is an acronym for
sound navigation and ranging.
Fish
Sonar
transmitter
Bottom
sonar
Sonar
receiver
Acoustic waves
Submarine
sonde A device for automatically gathering meterological
data at high altitudes. An example is the
radiosonde.
sone A unit of loudness for an individual listener.
The level of 1 sone is the loudness of a 1000-Hz
tone that is 40 dB above the particular listener’s
threshold of hearing.
sonic altimeter An altimeter (see ABSOLUTE AL-
TIMETER) using sound waves. The time required
for a transmitted wave to reach a target and be
reflected back to the transmitter is proportional
to the distance between the transmitter and the
target.
sonic boom An explosive sound occurring when
the shock wave produced by an aircraft flying at
supersonic speed strikes the earth.
sonic delay line A delay line using electroacoustic
transducers and an intervening medium through
which a sound wave is transmitted.
sonic depth finder See ACOUSTIC DEPTH
FINDER.
sonic thermocouple A thermocouple whose heatabsorbing
properties are enhanced by subjecting
it to acoustic vibrations.
sonobuoy A buoy equipped with an acoustic receiver
and radio transmitter. The device is
parachuted into the water, where it receives submarine
sounds and transmits them to a monitoring
station. Several sonobuoys communicating
with a computer will track the path of a submarine.
sonovox
An electronic device used to produce special
sound effects when it is held against the
throat of the operator. The special sounds are
formed into words by the operator’s mouth.
SOP Abbreviation of standard operating procedure.
sophisticated electronics Advanced electronics
theory and operations, usually dealing with complex
devices or systems and requiring rigorous
analysis to describe their operation and devise
applications. Compare UNSOPHISTICATED
ELECTRONICS.
sorption processes Processes whereby certain
substances (e.g., activated charcoal) occlude and
retain gases and vapors. A chamber containing
such a substance is often useful in the production
of a vacuum. Sorption includes both absorption
and adsorption.
sort
1. To group information items using their
keys. Also see KEY. 2. To group information items
according to some system of classification, as to
print an alphabetical list of words stored in a random
sequence.
sorting routine A computer program for sequencing
data items according to key words (values in
specific fields) of the different records.
SOS 1. The international radiotelegraph distress
signal; equivalent to mayday in radiotelephony. It
consists of three dits (“dots”), followed by three
dahs (“dashes”), followed by three more dits.
2. Abbreviation of SILICON ON SAPPHIRE.