Can the sonographer adjust the period of a sound wave?

The period of a sound wave is defined as the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to occur, which is inherently determined by the frequency of the wave. In ultrasound, the frequency is typically set by the characteristics of the transducer being used. Since the period is inversely related to frequency (as frequency increases, period decreases and vice versa), any change in period would also require a change in frequency.

However, in a clinical setting, the sonographer does not have the ability to change the frequency of the sound waves produced by the transducer once it is designed and set. The ultrasound machine typically operates within a range of frequencies that are pre-determined by the specific transducer being used. Hence, the period of the sound wave remains fixed based on that frequency, and the sonographer cannot adjust or control it during the imaging process.

This understanding emphasizes the operational limits of what can be manipulated during ultrasound imaging. Adjustments made by the sonographer typically pertain to parameters such as gain, depth of field, and focus, but not the fundamental properties of the sound wave such as its period.