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

Question: 1 / 400

Which of the following factors determines the wavelength of a sound wave?

The sound source only

The medium only

Sound source and medium

Wavelength is a fundamental property of sound waves that is influenced by both the sound source and the medium through which the wave travels. The sound source determines the frequency of the wave, which is the number of cycles per second. In contrast, the medium affects the speed of sound, which varies based on characteristics such as density and elasticity.

The relationship between wavelength, frequency, and speed can be described by the equation:

Wavelength = Speed of Sound / Frequency

In this equation, the speed of sound is dependent on the medium, while frequency is determined by the sound source. Therefore, both factors play a crucial role in determining the wavelength. If either one changes—say, if the frequency increases while the speed of sound remains constant, or if the medium changes—the wavelength will also change accordingly. This interplay explains why the correct answer encompasses both the sound source and the medium.

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Frequency only

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