Which term describes the behavior of a sound pulse at an interface with different media?

The appropriate term that describes the behavior of a sound pulse at an interface between different media is reflection. When a sound wave encounters a boundary where there is a change in acoustic impedance—such as the transition from one type of tissue to another in the body—part of the wave is reflected back into the original medium. This reflection occurs because the wave cannot fully continue into the new medium due to the differences in density or elasticity.

In medical imaging, such as ultrasound, reflection is crucial because it allows the formation of an image. The returning echoes, which result from these reflections, are processed to create the visual representation of the internal structures being examined. This phenomenon is fundamental to the functioning of ultrasound devices.

Understanding reflection and its role in sound wave behavior at interfaces is essential for interpreting sonographic images and ensuring effective practice in clinical settings.