Ultrasound (AQA GCSE Physics)

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Ultrasound

Higher Tier Only

  • Ultrasound is defined as:

    Sound waves with a frequency above the human hearing range of 20 000 Hz

  • The human ear can hear frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 000 Hz

Range of human hearing, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The human ear can detect sounds between around 20 and 20 000 Hz in frequency with a peak sensitivity at around 4000 Hz

  • When meeting a boundary between two media ultrasound may be:

    • Partially reflected

    • Partially transmitted

    • Partially absorbed

  • The percentage that is reflected or transmitted depends on the two media at the boundary

    • An air and glass boundary will have different percentages compared to an air and wall boundary

  • The percentage of the wave reflected is greatest when the difference in speed of sound between the media is large

    • For example, when sound in air hits a brick boundary, most of the sound is reflected because waves travel much faster in brick than in air

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.