Final answer:
The mechanical process by which an ultrasonic cleaner works is called Cavitation (Option B).
Step-by-step explanation:
Cavitation is the mechanical process at the heart of how ultrasonic cleaners function (Option B). In ultrasonic cleaning, high-frequency sound waves are produced by transducers. These sound waves create microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution through a phenomenon known as cavitation.
During cavitation, the pressure created by the sound waves causes bubbles to form and rapidly collapse. The implosion of these bubbles produces intense shock waves and microjets in the cleaning solution. These high-energy events generate forces that effectively remove dirt, contaminants, and other particles from surfaces immersed in the cleaning solution.
Unlike the other options provided (Filtration, Condensation, and Evaporation), cavitation is the specific mechanical action responsible for the cleaning power of ultrasonic cleaners. Filtration involves the separation of particles from a fluid, condensation is a phase change from gas to liquid, and evaporation is a phase change from liquid to gas—none of which directly describe the process occurring in ultrasonic cleaning.
Understanding cavitation is crucial to appreciating the effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaners in various applications, from jewelry cleaning to industrial parts cleaning.