The Absorption of Ultrasonic Waves in a Number of Pure Liquids over the Frequency Range 100 to 200 Mc/s

The absorption of a sound wave in a liquid is conveniently represented by the quantity α/ f 2 where α is the absorption coefficient relating to the excess pressure and f is the frequency. Values of α/ f 2 are given in the paper for ninety-four liquids at a temperature of 25°C. The measurements were made by the pulse method at frequencies between 100 and 200 Mc/s and are estimated to be accurate to within ±2%. The essential features of the apparatus are described. The results are reviewed in the light of existing knowledge concerning the mechanisms responsible for attenuation of a sound wave in a liquid.