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Chapter 6: Problem 26

What is ultrasound, and what is it used for?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Ultrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies higher than the range of human hearing (above 20 kHz). It has various applications, including medical imaging (e.g., prenatal imaging, echocardiography, Doppler ultrasound), industrial uses (e.g., non-destructive testing, thickness measurement, flow measurement), and cleaning applications (e.g., ultrasonic cleaning machines). These applications rely on the versatility and accuracy of ultrasound technology to perform tasks such as diagnostics, inspection, and cleaning.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a type of sound wave with a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing, which is around 20,000 Hz or 20 kHz. Ultrasound waves can have frequencies ranging from about 1 MHz (1 million Hz) to 10 GHz (10 billion Hz).
02

Medical Applications

One of the most common uses of ultrasound is in medical imaging. In this field, high-frequency sound waves are used to create images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels inside the body. Common examples of these medical applications include: 1. Prenatal imaging: Ultrasound images allow doctors to monitor the development of unborn babies and diagnose abnormalities early in pregnancy. 2. Echocardiography: This is a type of ultrasound that creates images of the heart to evaluate its structure and function. 3. Doppler ultrasound: This technique measures the speed and direction of blood flow in vessels, helping doctors diagnose issues like blood clots, blocked arteries, or poor circulation.
03

Industrial Applications

Ultrasound technology is also used in various industries for inspection and measurement purposes. Some examples include: 1. Non-destructive testing (NDT): Ultrasonic testing is used to detect flaws in materials, such as cracks and inclusions, without damaging the material being tested. 2. Thickness measurement: Ultrasound can measure the thickness of materials, such as metal sheets or coatings, by measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel through the material. 3. Flow measurement: Ultrasonic flow meters can be used to determine the flow rate of liquids or gases in pipes by measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel between two transducers placed on the pipe.
04

Cleaning Applications

Ultrasonic cleaning machines take advantage of the high-frequency vibrations produced by ultrasonic waves to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces. Objects to be cleaned are submerged in a cleaning solution, and the ultrasonic energy causes small bubbles to form and collapse, creating a scrubbing action that effectively cleans even hard-to-reach areas. These are just a few examples of how ultrasound technology is utilized. Its versatility and accuracy make it an essential tool in many fields, such as medicine, industry, and cleaning.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

If you were actually in a battle fought in space like the ones shown in science fiction movies, would you hear the explosions that occur? Why or why not?

While a shock wave is being generated by a moving wave source, is the Doppler effect also occurring? Explain.

A recording of a high-frequency pure tone is played through both speakers of a portable stereo placed in an open field. A person a few meters in front of the stereo walks slowly along an arc around it. How does the sound that is heard change as the person moves?

When trying to hear a faint sound from something far away, we sometimes cup a hand behind an ear. Explain why this can help.

Normal telephones do not transmit pure tones with frequencies below about \(300 \mathrm{~Hz}\). But a person whose speaking voice has a frequency of \(100 \mathrm{~Hz}\) can be heard and understood over the phone. Why is that?
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