Ultrasound is no different from 'normal' (audible) sound in its physical properties, except in that humans cannot hear it. This limit varies from person to person and is approximately 20kilohertz(20,000 hertz) in healthy, young adults. Ultrasound devices operate with frequencies from 20kHz up to several gigahertz. In ultrasonic welding of plastics, high frequency (15 kHz to 40 kHz ) low amplitude vibration is used to create heat by way of friction between the materials to be joined.