Ultrasonic waves are sound waves that have a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing, typically above 20 kHz. These waves are used in various applications, including medical imaging, cleaning delicate instruments, and industrial testing. Because they can travel through different materials, ultrasonic waves are effective for detecting flaws in structures and for non-destructive testing.
In medicine, ultrasonic waves are commonly used in ultrasound imaging, which allows doctors to visualize internal organs and monitor fetal development during pregnancy. The technology works by emitting sound waves that bounce off tissues, creating images based on the returning echoes. This non-invasive method is safe and widely used in healthcare.