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Waves and Optics

Ultrasound

To explain how ultrasound echoes are used in scanning and calculate distances from echo times.

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What you will learn

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What ultrasound means

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Why ultrasound is beyond human hearing

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How ultrasound reflects from boundaries

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How to calculate depth using echo time

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How ultrasound is used in medicine and industry

Explanation

Ultrasound has a frequency above the upper human hearing limit. It is partially reflected at boundaries between different media, allowing hidden structures to be detected. For a pulse travelling to a boundary and back, distance = wave speed × return time ÷ 2; the measured time includes both journeys. Rearrange the relationship before substituting if a different quantity is required. A correct answer needs an appropriate unit as well as a numerical value. Explain the result. Check your reasoning.

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