Week 1 Sound Wave Parameters

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to sound wave parameters in the field of ultrasound physics.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between two areas of maximal compression (or rarefaction), measured in meters (m or mm).

Period (T)

The time it takes for one cycle/wavelength to occur, measured in seconds or microseconds.

Frequency (ƒ)

The number of cycles that pass per unit time, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Propagation Speed (Velocity) (c or v)

The speed at which a wave moves through a medium, typically measured in meters per second (m/sec or mm/s).

Amplitude (A)

The strength of the sound, defined as the maximum variation from the mean value.

Intensity (I)

The distribution of power over a defined area, usually associated with focusing the beam.

Compression

The phase of a sound wave where particles are pushed together, resulting in high pressure.

Rarefaction

The phase of a sound wave where particles are spread apart, resulting in low pressure.

Sine Wave

A mathematical curve that describes a smooth repetitive oscillation, representing sound waves.

Inversely Proportional

A relationship where one value increases as the other decreases, such as wavelength and frequency.

Bulk Modulus

A measure of a medium's resistance to uniform compression, impacting the propagation speed.

Acoustic Variables

Physical quantities such as pressure, density, and particle motion that characterize sound waves.

Power (P)

A measure of how much work or energy is expended per unit of time, measured in Watts.

Propagation Speed in Soft Tissue

The average speed of sound in soft tissue is approximately 1540 m/s or 1.54 mm/µs.

Wave Equation

A formula that relates wavelength, frequency, and propagation speed, often expressed as ν = λƒ.