What is the effect of a larger impedance difference between two interfaces in ultrasound?

In ultrasound, when there is a larger impedance difference between two interfaces, it leads to stronger echoes being produced. Impedance is a measure of how much resistance a medium offers to the transmission of sound waves. When sound waves encounter a boundary between two tissues or media with significantly different impedances, a greater portion of the sound wave is reflected back instead of being transmitted through.

This occurs because the greater the impedance mismatch, the more pronounced the reflection will be. This principle is crucial in ultrasound imaging, as the echoes generated provide valuable information about the structure and composition of tissues. Stronger echoes enhance the clarity of the images, allowing for better diagnostic capabilities. Thus, when there's a notable difference in impedance at an interface, the resultant reflections are indeed stronger, contributing positively to the quality of the ultrasound examination.