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

The unit of measurement for frequency in ultrasound physics is Hertz. Frequency refers to the number of cycles of a wave that occur in one second. In ultrasound, it is crucial to understand that higher frequencies generally yield better resolution in imaging, but they have a trade-off with penetration depth. This relationship is fundamental in choosing the appropriate transducer frequency for different diagnostic tasks.

Hertz serves as the standard unit across various scientific fields to express frequency, linking it directly to the oscillatory nature of sound waves, including those used in ultrasound technology. In medical ultrasound, frequencies typically range from about 2 to 18 MHz, which directly correlates to the type of imaging and the tissue depth being examined.

The other units mentioned are used in different contexts: decibels measure sound intensity or pressure levels, pascal is the unit for pressure, and meters are used to measure distance. While all of these units are relevant in the broader field of physics and ultrasound, only Hertz specifically pertains to the measurement of frequency.