Acoustic impedance is also called _______.

Acoustic impedance is also called _______.

• A. Specific impedance
• B. Characteristic impedance
• C. Dynamic impedance
• D. Wave impedance

Answer: (B)

Acoustic impedance is the ratio of pressure to particle velocity (Z = p/v). For a plane wave traveling through a uniform medium, this ratio is constant and defines the medium’s inherent resistance to wave motion. This constant, specific to the medium and its properties, is called the characteristic impedance. It is the quantity used to predict reflections at interfaces via impedance mismatch, with Z0 = ρc in a lossless, uniform medium. While related terms exist, the standard label for this traveling-wave property is characteristic impedance, making it the best choice.

Acoustic impedance is the ratio of pressure to particle velocity (Z = p/v). For a plane wave traveling through a uniform medium, this ratio is constant and defines the medium’s inherent resistance to wave motion. This constant, specific to the medium and its properties, is called the characteristic impedance. It is the quantity used to predict reflections at interfaces via impedance mismatch, with Z0 = ρc in a lossless, uniform medium. While related terms exist, the standard label for this traveling-wave property is characteristic impedance, making it the best choice.