Which term describes the scattering of ultrasonic beam rays caused by reflection from a highly irregular surface?

Which term describes the scattering of ultrasonic beam rays caused by reflection from a highly irregular surface?

• A. Dispersion
• B. Angulation
• C. Refraction
• D. Rarefaction

Answer: (A)

Scattering from a highly irregular surface shows up as diffuse reflection: the roughness causes many microfacets to reflect energy in different directions, so no single strong echo returns toward the probe. The result is a weak or inconsistent signal, and echoes may appear at unexpected angles. In practice, you often tilt the transducer (angulation) to pick up echoes from some of those reflected paths. The other terms aren’t describing this phenomenon: dispersion is about velocity depending on frequency, refraction is bending at a boundary due to speed changes, and rarefaction is a low-pressure part of the wave.

Scattering from a highly irregular surface shows up as diffuse reflection: the roughness causes many microfacets to reflect energy in different directions, so no single strong echo returns toward the probe. The result is a weak or inconsistent signal, and echoes may appear at unexpected angles. In practice, you often tilt the transducer (angulation) to pick up echoes from some of those reflected paths. The other terms aren’t describing this phenomenon: dispersion is about velocity depending on frequency, refraction is bending at a boundary due to speed changes, and rarefaction is a low-pressure part of the wave.