Which statement describes penetration and frequency correctly?

Which statement describes penetration and frequency correctly?

• A. Higher frequency provides greater penetration
• B. Lower frequency provides greater penetration
• C. Penetration is independent of frequency
• D. Penetration varies unpredictably with frequency

Answer: (B)

Penetration depth in ultrasound is inversely related to frequency. Higher frequency waves lose energy more quickly as they travel through tissue due to greater attenuation from absorption and scattering, so they don’t reach deep structures. Lower frequency waves attenuate less and can penetrate deeper, reaching tissues farther from the transducer. The trade-off is resolution: higher frequency gives sharper detail but shallower penetration, while lower frequency provides greater depth with less detail. That’s why the statement describing lower frequency as providing greater penetration is correct. The other options contradict how attenuation increases with frequency or suggest penetration is independent or unpredictable.

Penetration depth in ultrasound is inversely related to frequency. Higher frequency waves lose energy more quickly as they travel through tissue due to greater attenuation from absorption and scattering, so they don’t reach deep structures. Lower frequency waves attenuate less and can penetrate deeper, reaching tissues farther from the transducer. The trade-off is resolution: higher frequency gives sharper detail but shallower penetration, while lower frequency provides greater depth with less detail. That’s why the statement describing lower frequency as providing greater penetration is correct. The other options contradict how attenuation increases with frequency or suggest penetration is independent or unpredictable.