ARDMS Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation Practice Exam 2026 - Free Ultrasound Practice Questions and Study Guide

The formula for calculating the speed of sound in a medium is fundamentally expressed as the product of frequency and wavelength. This relationship arises because sound waves travel at a speed determined by how many cycles (frequency) occur over a certain distance (wavelength).

In this context, when the frequency of a sound wave is multiplied by its wavelength, the result is the speed of sound in that particular medium. This principle is crucial in ultrasound physics because it allows practitioners to determine how fast sound travels through different tissues, which is essential for accurate imaging and diagnostics.

The other options do not accurately represent the relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength. For example, subtracting wavelength from frequency does not describe a physical relationship relevant to wave mechanics, and adding the two does not have a meaningful interpretation in this context. Thus, the formula "Speed = Frequency x Wavelength" accurately captures the direct relationship necessary for calculating the speed of sound.