What parameter is determined by the medium?

The speed of sound in a medium is fundamentally determined by the properties of that medium, such as its density and elasticity. In sonography, as sound waves travel through different tissues or materials, the speed at which these waves move varies based on how tightly packed the molecules are (density) and how readily they can be compressed (elasticity). For instance, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases because solid materials generally have higher densities and elastic properties.

In contrast, frequency and period are characteristics intrinsic to the sound wave itself, primarily determined by the source of the sound. Intensity relates to the power or energy carried by the wave, which is influenced by both the wave's characteristics and the medium it travels through but is not directly determined by the properties of the medium alone.

Understanding sound speed is crucial in medical imaging and diagnostic sonography, as it impacts the interpretation of ultrasound images, including depth measurements and the quality of the images produced.