ARDMS Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation Practice Exam

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Study for the ARDMS Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

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What is the total amount of attenuation if a 6.0-MHz sound beam travels through 4 cm of soft tissue?

6 dB
12 dB
18 dB
24 dB

The correct answer is: 12 dB

To determine the total amount of attenuation when a 6.0-MHz sound beam travels through 4 cm of soft tissue, one must understand the principle of attenuation in ultrasound. Attenuation occurs due to the absorption, reflection, and scattering of sound waves as they pass through a medium. In soft tissue, a common rule of thumb is that there is approximately 0.5 dB of attenuation per MHz per centimeter of travel. For a 6.0-MHz frequency sound beam traveling through 4 cm of soft tissue, you can calculate the total attenuation as follows: 1. Calculate the attenuation per centimeter: 0.5 dB/MHz/cm. 2. Multiply this by the frequency: 0.5 dB/MHz/cm * 6 MHz = 3 dB/cm. 3. Then multiply by the depth of tissue: 3 dB/cm * 4 cm = 12 dB. Therefore, the total amount of attenuation is 12 dB. This calculation highlights how the frequency and the distance traveled through a medium contribute to the overall attenuation experienced by the ultrasound wave in soft tissue.