basicsofphysicsandultrasound.docVIP

Basics of Physics and Ultrasound Geoffrey E. Hayden, MD Director of Emergency Ultrasonography Vanderbilt Emergency Medicine Sound and Wave Theory: Frequency=number of cycles per second (Hz=1/s) Wavelength=length of one complete cycle (measurable distance) Velocity of sound is constant for a given medium (330 meters/s in air; 1500 meters/s in water) Velocity=Frequency X Wavelength Sound waves are a series of repeating mechanical pressure waves that propagate through a medium Sound travels through tissues, causing molecules to vibrate Human hearing: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz Ultrasound: 20,000