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Ultrasound Wavelength Calculation (5 MHz in Human Tissue)

Ultrasound Wavelength Calculation (5 MHz in Human Tissue)

Verified Sources
Nov 3, 2026

To calculate the wavelength of an ultrasound wave, use the wave relationship between speed (vv), frequency (ff), and wavelength (λ\lambda):
v=fλ    ⇒    λ=vfv = f\lambda \;\;\Rightarrow\;\; \lambda = \frac{v}{f}

For this problem:

  • Frequency f=5 MHz=5×106 Hzf = 5\,\text{MHz} = 5\times 10^{6}\,\text{Hz}
  • Wave velocity v=1540 m/sv = 1540\,\text{m/s} in tissue

Compute: λ=15405×106=3.08×10−4 m\lambda = \frac{1540}{5\times 10^{6}} = 3.08\times 10^{-4}\,\text{m}

Convert to more common lab/medical units:

  • 3.08×10−4 m=0.308 mm=308 μm3.08\times 10^{-4}\,\text{m} = 0.308\,\text{mm} = 308\,\mu\text{m}

Answer: λ≈3.08×10−4 m  (about 0.308 mm)\boxed{\lambda \approx 3.08\times 10^{-4}\,\text{m} \; \text{(about }0.308\,\text{mm)} }

Mermaid concept map of the quantities involved:

Key terms for recall:

  • Wavelength
  • Ultrasound frequency
  • Acoustic impedance

Compute the ultrasound wavelength

  1. 1
    Step 1

    Use v=fλv=f\lambda, so λ=v/f\lambda=v/f.

  2. 2
    Step 2

    Convert 5 MHz5\,\text{MHz} to 5×106 Hz5\times 10^{6}\,\text{Hz}.

  3. 3
    Step 3

    λ=15405×106\lambda=\dfrac{1540}{5\times 10^{6}}.

  4. 4
    Step 4

    λ=3.08×10−4 m\lambda=3.08\times 10^{-4}\,\text{m}.

  5. 5
    Step 5

    3.08×10−4 m=0.308 mm=308 μm3.08\times 10^{-4}\,\text{m}=0.308\,\text{mm}=308\,\mu\text{m}.

Pro Tip: unit discipline

Always convert MHz to Hz before dividing. Since λ=v/f\lambda=v/f, any mismatch in units directly scales the final wavelength.

Common mistake to avoid

Do not use kHz when the problem gives MHz. Using 5×1035\times 10^{3} instead of 5×1065\times 10^{6} would make the wavelength 1000× too large.

Ultrasound wavelength at 5 MHz (with tissue speed 1540 m/s)

Single-point calculation shown in multiple units.

Problem-solving workflow

Identify variables

1

Read ff (5 MHz) and vv (1540 m/s)."

Use the wave relation

2

Apply λ=v/f\lambda=v/f."

Convert units

3

Convert MHz to Hz for consistent SI units."

Compute and present

4

Report λ\lambda in meters and optionally in mm or µm."

Related concepts (quick checks)

Knowledge Check

Question 1 of 4
Q1Single choice

Given v=1540 m/sv=1540\,\text{m/s} and f=5 MHzf=5\,\text{MHz}, what is the wavelength λ\lambda?

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