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

What you will learn

What ultrasound means

Why ultrasound is beyond human hearing

How ultrasound reflects from boundaries

How to calculate depth using echo time

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.
