ARDMS Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation Practice Exam 2025 - Free Ultrasound Practice Questions and Study Guide

When sound waves pass from one medium to another, the fundamental interactions they experience include reflection, refraction, and absorption. Reflection occurs when some of the sound waves bounce back into the original medium; this is commonly observed in situations where sound waves encounter surfaces like walls or changes in materials. Refraction happens when sound waves change direction as they enter a new medium, which usually occurs due to a difference in density or stiffness between the two materials. This change in direction can affect the wave’s speed depending on the properties of the media involved. Absorption refers to the process where sound energy is converted into other forms of energy (like heat) as it moves through a medium, thus diminishing the intensity of the sound wave. Each of these interactions demonstrates how sound waves can change their behavior based on the characteristics of the materials they are moving through, impacting their transmission and overall energy.