What is the working principle of a sonar system?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

What is the working principle of a sonar system? Here, the relevant answer is “Sound reflection (echo).” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. The distractors in this question—Light reflection, Magnetic induction, Radioactivity—do not satisfy the exact condition stated. The final selection must agree with the explanation and marked answer: Sound reflection (echo).

ALight reflection

BSound reflection (echo)

CMagnetic induction

DRadioactivity

Correct Answer: Sound reflection (echo)Your Answer: B

Explanation

al definition, law, relation, or working principle involved. — the scientifically appropriate response is Sound reflection (echo). Option-wise review: Sound reflection (echo) is correct under the condition given in the stem. Light reflection is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Magnetic induction is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Radioactivity is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Therefore, option B, Sound reflection (echo), is factually and logically consistent with the question. SONAR uses the reflection of sound waves (echo) to detect underwater objects.

Important Notes

ad the complete stem before looking at the options. Identify whether the demand is a definition, unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, image characteristic, or device principle. In this record, the confirmed answer is Sound reflection (echo).
Physics answers are condition-dependent. The same lens, force, circuit, wave, or thermodynamic system can behave differently when distance, medium, temperature, direction, or boundary conditions change. Preserve every qualifier in the question.
Learn each concept as a five-part card: definition; common symbol; SI unit; principal equation; and one real-life application. This works for mechanics, heat, optics, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Do not interchange closely related terms: mass and weight; distance and displacement; speed and velocity; heat and temperature; reflection and refraction; real and virtual image; current and potential difference; power and energy. Such pairs generate common SSC distractors.
Eliminate Light reflection, Magnetic induction, Radioactivity here because none fulfils the exact requirement of the stem. The final answer and correct-index field must point to option B.

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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