6
Level 1
Basic Ultrasound Physics
30. A decrease in intensity by a factor of 2 is equivalent to how
many decibels?
ANSWER:
–3 dB
This example is to make sure that you recognize the difference
between the amplitude and power form of the decibel calcula-
tion. Additionally, you should recognize that the decrease in
intensity leads to a decrease in dB.
31. What is the value of understanding logarithms?
ANSWER:
Logarithms perform data compression, reducing the
dynamic range of the data.
In general, it is a lot easier to understand a mathematical tool
when you actually understand what the tool does and why it
is useful. Otherwise, you are relegated to rote memorization,
which is painful, and for most people, not enduring.
Well,congratulations,you have just completed themost difficult part
of the book. Contrary to popular belief, the goal was not to torture
you, but to help determine your comfort level with the math skills
that make learning the ultrasound physics easier. If you found this
quiz relatively straight forward then you can progress with a high
degree of confidence that you have the requisite math tools needed.
If you found these math concepts difficult, please proceed to the
Math Appendix A.
Misconception #1: Math is not important to pass the exam!
Misconception #2: Knowing the equations is not important in the clinical world
since the system performs all of the calculations.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS : MATHEMATICS
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