Increasing the frequency will:

Increasing the frequency of the ultrasound waves indeed increases the amount of attenuation that occurs as the waves travel through tissue. Attenuation refers to the reduction in intensity of the ultrasound signal as it passes through different media, primarily due to scattering and absorption.

Higher frequency ultrasound waves have shorter wavelengths, which generally results in greater scattering and absorption when they interact with tissue structures. This causes more rapid loss of sound intensity as the waves pass through the body, leading to a greater overall degree of attenuation compared to lower frequency waves. While higher frequency ultrasound can produce better resolution and detail in imaging, it sacrifices penetration depth, as the waves do not travel as deeply without significant loss.

Understanding this relationship is crucial in sonography, as it affects image quality and the ability to visualize deeper structures in the body. Thus, when considering the impact of frequency, it is essential to balance the benefits of increased resolution with the limitations posed by attenuation.