As you move closer to the transducer, the intensity of the ultrasound waves changes how?

As you move closer to the transducer, the intensity of the ultrasound waves changes how?

• A. Lower intensity
• B. Higher intensity
• C. No change
• D. Variable, depending on tissue

Answer: (A)

As you get closer to the transducer, the intensity increases. The energy from the ultrasound source is concentrated in a beam, and as it travels, that energy is spread over a larger area. Closer to the transducer, the cross-sectional area over which the energy is delivered is smaller, so the energy is more concentrated and the intensity at the tissue is higher. Attenuation in tissue also reduces energy as it travels deeper, so moving farther away compounds the drop in intensity. In short, intensity rises when you draw nearer to the transducer and falls with distance.

As you get closer to the transducer, the intensity increases. The energy from the ultrasound source is concentrated in a beam, and as it travels, that energy is spread over a larger area. Closer to the transducer, the cross-sectional area over which the energy is delivered is smaller, so the energy is more concentrated and the intensity at the tissue is higher. Attenuation in tissue also reduces energy as it travels deeper, so moving farther away compounds the drop in intensity. In short, intensity rises when you draw nearer to the transducer and falls with distance.