Poor propagation is gas due to widely

spaced molecules. The closer the

molecules the faster the sound wave
moves through the medium.

Because the crystal in the transducer is electrically

pulsed, it changes shape and vibrates, producing a
sound beam that propagates through the tissues.
The crystal emits sound for a brief moment and
then waits for the returning echo reflected from the
structures in the plane of the sound beam.
When the echo is received, the crystal again
vibrates, generating an electrical voltage
comparable to the strength of the returning echo.

The strength of the returning echo is

related to the angle at which the beam
strikes the acoustic interface. The more
nearly perpendicular the beam, the
stronger the returning echo. Smooth
interfaces at right angels to the beam are
known as specular reflectors. Echoes
returning at other angles are known as
scatter.