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

Using a lower frequency transducer has a significant effect on ultrasound imaging by providing better penetration into deeper tissues while compromising resolution. This is due to the physical properties of sound waves. Lower frequency sound waves can travel further into the body because they have longer wavelengths. This allows imaging of structures that are located deeper, such as organs and tissues behind bones or gas-filled spaces, which might otherwise be challenging to visualize with higher frequency transducers.

However, fewer cycles per second result in lower image resolution, meaning that while deeper tissues can be observed, finer details might be lost or appear less clear. The resolution of an image is influenced by the frequency of the sound wave—higher frequencies typically yield better spatial resolution due to shorter wavelengths, which can resolve smaller structures.

Thus, using a lower frequency transducer is a trade-off between depth of penetration and resolution, making it ideal for certain clinical situations where depth is more critical than fine image detail.