What effect does increasing frequency have on ultrasound wavelength?

Increasing frequency has a direct impact on ultrasound wavelength, leading to a decrease in wavelength. In ultrasound, the relationship between frequency (f), wavelength (λ), and the speed of sound (v) in a medium is given by the equation:

λ = v / f

Here, the speed of sound in a given medium (such as soft tissue for medical ultrasound) remains relatively constant. When the frequency increases, the denominator in the equation becomes larger, resulting in a smaller value for wavelength. This means that higher frequency ultrasound waves have shorter wavelengths.

Shorter wavelengths are advantageous in ultrasound imaging as they allow for better resolution, as they can distinguish smaller structures. Consequently, understanding this relationship is critical for optimizing imaging techniques and ensuring accurate diagnostics in sonography.