Question

The piezoelectric crystal that produces ultrasound waves vibrates at what kind of frequency compared to the imposed alternating current?

1) Same frequency
2) Higher frequency
3) Lower frequency
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The piezoelectric crystal used to create ultrasound waves vibrates at the same frequency as the alternating current applied to it.

Step-by-step explanation:

The piezoelectric crystal that produces ultrasound waves vibrates at the same frequency as the imposed alternating current. When an alternating current is applied to a piezoelectric crystal, the crystal undergoes mechanical deformations that cause it to vibrate. Since these vibrations are electrically driven, the frequency of the vibrations will match the frequency of the applied electrical signal. Therefore, if the alternating current oscillates at a certain frequency, the piezoelectric crystal will also vibrate at this frequency, generating ultrasound waves at that same frequency. This is how ultrasound used for medical imaging, such as fetal observations in the womb, is produced.