What property of sound waves is affected by changes in density of the medium?

The correct answer is the speed of sound waves, which is affected by changes in the density of the medium through which they travel. Sound waves propagate at different speeds depending on the physical properties of the medium, including its density and elasticity.

When the density of a medium increases, the speed of sound generally decreases, assuming elasticity remains constant. Conversely, in a medium with lower density, such as gases compared to liquids, sound travels slower. This relationship is critical in medical sonography, as it influences how sound waves behave within different biological tissues.

Understanding this principle is crucial for practitioners, as it impacts image quality and the interpretation of ultrasound data. It allows sonographers to make informed decisions about settings and techniques when performing scans on patients.