Final answer:
Percussion is a diagnostic technique used to assess the presence of fluid or air in body cavities by tapping on the chest or back.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique described in the question is called percussion. It is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the presence of fluid or air in body cavities by tapping on the chest or back and listening and feeling for a hollow or fluid-filled space. This technique is commonly used in physical examinations to evaluate the condition of internal organs, such as the heart and lungs.