ARDMS Exam SPI Topic 4 Question 16 Discussion

Actual exam question for ARDMS's Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam

Question #: 16
Topic #: 4

[All Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Questions]

What is the term for the change in direction of a sound wave crossing a tissue boundary at an oblique angle?

AReflection

BAbsorption

CRefraction

DAttenuation

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

Refraction is the change in direction of a sound wave as it crosses a boundary between two different tissues at an oblique angle, where there is a difference in propagation speeds between the tissues. This bending of the sound wave path occurs due to the change in speed, causing the wave to change direction according to Snell's law. Refraction can result in artifacts such as edge shadowing and displacement of structures in an ultrasound image.

ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation Guidelines

Hedrick WR, Hykes DL, Starchman DE. Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2005.

by Dannie at Sep 14, 2024, 02:12 PM

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19 days ago

Refraction, for sure. I remember that from my physics class - the wave bends when it crosses the boundary. Easy peasy!

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Gary

8 days ago

Yes, you're right! Refraction is when the sound wave changes direction.

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Kandis

23 days ago

Ooh, this one's tricky! I'm gonna go with C - Refraction. Sounds like the wave's changing direction, just like light does when it hits a different medium.

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Anissa

4 hours ago

User2: I agree with you, User1. Reflection makes sense in this context.

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Coleen

3 days ago

User1: I think it's A - Reflection. The sound wave bounces off the boundary.

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