1.2 The Ultrasound Wave
Ultrasound travels through tissue in the form of a wave, which is characterized by regions of compression and decompression. The ultrasound wave is defined by its wavelength (λ), amplitude, and frequency (f).
The wave travels at a specific velocity (c), which depends on the density and stiffness of the material or tissue through which it passes. The relationship between wavelength (λ), frequency (f) and velocity (c) is expressed by the following formula:
c = λ f
| Definitions | |
|---|---|
| Wave length | Distance between two points of the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave |
| Amplitude | Maximal positive deflection |
| Velocity | Measurement of the rate and direction of change in the position of an object |
| Frequency | Number of occurrences of a repetitive event per unit time |