Final answer:
PZT in an ultrasound transducer is known as Piezoelectric Ceramic. It uses the piezoelectric effect to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and vice versa, making it critical for emitting and receiving ultrasound waves used in medical imaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
PZT in an ultrasound transducer is also known as A) Piezoelectric Ceramic. This substance exhibits the piezoelectric effect, where applying a voltage across it causes the material to expand and contract, thus creating vibrations. These vibrations are essential for the functioning of an ultrasound device, as they allow the transducer to emit and receive sound waves, which can be used to construct images of internal body structures.
In medical diagnostics, ultrasound is a noninvasive tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs, tissues, or a fetus during pregnancy. Ultrasound transducers are made with PZT because of its piezoelectric properties. A transducer acts as both a transmitter of the ultrasonic waves into body tissues and a receiver of the echoes reflected back, which are then used to create an image.
Moreover, when an ultrasound transducer is used clinically, a coupling medium such as gel is applied between the skin and the transducer to facilitate efficient sound transmission by eliminating the air gap that would otherwise reflect the sound waves and degrade the quality of the image.