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Context:

• Recently, the Serbian government has been accused of using banned sonic weapons to disperse protesters in Belgrade.
• So This incident has raised concerns about the increasing use of such weapons for crowd control.

What are Sonic Weapons?

• Sonic weapons are also known as Acoustic Weapons.
• These devices are designed to emit loud, painful sounds for long distances.
• These can disrupt or incapacitate individuals.
• These weapons can produce either audible or inaudible sound waves.
• Some sonic weapons also have amplifiers to project commands over large areas.
• Initially these were developed for military & crowd control purposes.
• But sonic weapons have seen use in various operations including by the U.S. military in Iraq (2004).

How Do Sonic Weapons Work?

• Sonic weapons operate by utilising transducers electronic devices. They convert electrical energy into sound waves.
• These sound waves are highly concentrated, amplified & directed at specific targets.
• However, Authorities can control the frequency, volume, & duration of the emitted sound.

Types of Sonic Weapons

1. Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)

• These are used by military & law enforcement for crowd control.
• Range: it can project sound for 8900 meters.
• Power:its Sound intensity can reach up to 160 decibels.
• Effects: it causes ear pain, hearing damage, nausea, dizziness.

2. Mosquito Device

• These are Intended to deter loitering among younger individuals.
• Sound Frequency: these emits a high pitched sound audible only to individuals below 30 years old.
• Effects: it causes irritation & discomfort. It primarily affects younger people.

3. Infrasonic Weapon

• Use: these are still under research. But this weapon emits low frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans.
• Effects: it Can cause physical pain, disorientation, headaches, nausea, vertigo, & internal organ damage.

So, These types of acoustic weapons are part of an ongoing debate about their ethical and legal use.

Source: IE