What type of waves does an ultrasound machine use?

An ultrasound machine utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures within the body. These sound waves typically fall within the range of 1 to 20 megahertz (MHz), which is above the frequency of human hearing. When these waves are transmitted into the body, they interact with various tissues and are partially reflected back to the transducer, which then translates these echoes into visual images. This non-invasive technique is widely used in medical imaging because it does not involve ionizing radiation, making it safer than methods that utilize X-rays.

Using high-frequency sound waves allows for better resolution and clarity in the produced images, which is crucial for accurately assessing organs, tissues, and blood flow in various medical applications. The nature of sound waves, as opposed to electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or infrared waves, is vital because ultrasound relies on mechanical vibrations that travel through different mediums, such as liquids and solids.