ARDMS Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation Practice Exam

Acoustic impedance is calculated as the product of the density of a medium and the speed of sound traveling through that medium. This relationship is fundamental in understanding how sound waves interact with different media.

In formulaic terms, acoustic impedance (Z) is given by Z = ρ * c, where ρ is the density of the medium, and c is the speed of sound in that medium. The higher the acoustic impedance, the greater the resistance to the transmission of sound waves. This concept is crucial when analyzing how ultrasound waves reflect, transmit, or refract at interfaces between different tissues, which can significantly affect imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy.

The other answer choices do not represent the correct relationship for calculating acoustic impedance. For instance, summing, subtracting, or averaging density and speed does not yield the properties that govern how sound wave behavior in various media is defined. Understanding this relationship is essential for applying ultrasound technology effectively in medical imaging and diagnostics.