Which physical phenomenon enables the transducer to convert acoustic energy into an electrical signal and vice versa?

Which physical phenomenon enables the transducer to convert acoustic energy into an electrical signal and vice versa?

• A. Piezoelectricity
• B. Capacitance
• C. Inductance
• D. Impedance

Answer: (A)

Piezoelectricity is the phenomenon that makes ultrasound transducers work. Certain crystals are polarized so that mechanical stress generates an electrical voltage, and applying an electrical field causes the crystal to deform and vibrate. In an ultrasound probe, this bidirectional effect lets the crystal emit sound waves when driven with a pulse and then generate an electrical signal when echoes return. Capacitance, inductance, and impedance describe electrical properties, but they don’t themselves enable the conversion between acoustic energy and electrical energy.

Piezoelectricity is the phenomenon that makes ultrasound transducers work. Certain crystals are polarized so that mechanical stress generates an electrical voltage, and applying an electrical field causes the crystal to deform and vibrate. In an ultrasound probe, this bidirectional effect lets the crystal emit sound waves when driven with a pulse and then generate an electrical signal when echoes return. Capacitance, inductance, and impedance describe electrical properties, but they don’t themselves enable the conversion between acoustic energy and electrical energy.