Which type of waves are used in sonography?

Sonography, also known as ultrasound imaging, is a medical diagnostic technique used to visualize internal organs, tissues, and developing fetuses. The type of waves used in sonography are called ultrasonic waves, which are sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper limit of human hearing, typically above 20 kHz. Ultrasonic waves have unique properties that make them ideal for medical imaging, including the ability to penetrate soft tissues and reflect off boundaries between different types of tissues.

In sonography, a device called a transducer emits ultrasonic waves into the body. These waves travel through the tissues and are reflected back when they encounter a boundary, such as between fluid and organ tissue. The reflected waves are then captured by the transducer and converted into electrical signals, which are processed to form real-time images on a monitor. This allows doctors to observe structures inside the body without invasive procedures.

Other types of waves, like electromagnetic waves, are not used in sonography. While transverse waves describe the direction of particle motion in general wave mechanics, and “Fundamentals of Waves” is a theoretical concept, ultrasonic waves specifically combine high frequency with the ability to propagate through biological tissues, making them the correct choice for medical imaging.

Ultrasonic waves are also used in other applications such as industrial nondestructive testing, cleaning delicate objects, and distance measurement. Their high frequency allows precise imaging and accurate detection of small structures. Understanding the use of ultrasonic waves in sonography is essential in physics, particularly in wave mechanics, sound energy, and medical physics, providing practical insight into the application of physical principles in healthcare.