Wavelength

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Wavelength

Wavelength (pronunciation: /ˈweɪvˌlɛŋkθ/) is a fundamental concept in the fields of Physics, Optics, and Medicine, particularly in medical imaging techniques such as Ultrasound and MRI.

Etymology

The term 'wavelength' is derived from the physical concept of 'waves'. It was first used in the English language in the mid-19th century.

Definition

In physics, the wavelength is the spatial period of a wave—the distance over which the wave's shape repeats. It is usually determined by considering the distance between consecutive points of the same phase, such as crests, troughs, or zero crossings, and is a characteristic of both traveling waves and standing waves, as well as other spatial wave patterns.

In the context of medicine, wavelength is a critical parameter in the functioning of medical imaging devices. The wavelength of the energy used can significantly affect the resolution and penetration of the imaging.

Related Terms

  • Frequency: The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. It is also referred to as temporal frequency.
  • Amplitude: The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.
  • Waveform: The shape and form of a signal such as a wave moving in a physical medium or an abstract representation.
  • Spectroscopy: A technique that uses the interaction of energy with a sample to perform an analysis.
  • Ultrasound: A medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the internal structures of the body.
  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body.

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