Sonication is applying sound energy to agitate particles in a sample, for various purposes, frequencies (>20 kHz) are usually used, leading to the process also being known as ultra-sonication used in ultrasonic cleaning-loosening particles adhering to surfaces. In addition to laboratory science applications, sonicating baths have applications including cleaning objects such as spectacles and jewelry. Soil samples are often subjected to ultrasound in order to break up soil aggregates; this allows the study of the different constituents of soil.