The stethoscope works on the principle of reflection of sound. It consists of a chest piece that captures sound waves produced by the heart or lungs. These waves travel through a tube to earpieces, where they are heard by the listener. The chest piece acts as a resonator, amplifying sound and allowing healthcare providers to hear internal body sounds clearly.
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The stethoscope operates based on the principle of [A] reflection of sound. When the chest piece is placed on the patient’s body, it collects sound waves generated by the heart, lungs, or other internal organs. These waves travel through the tubing to the earpieces, where they are amplified and transmitted to the listener’s ears.
Reflection of sound waves from the body’s internal organs allows healthcare providers to hear distinct sounds such as heartbeat rhythms, breathing patterns, and abnormal lung or bowel sounds. By focusing on capturing and transmitting these reflections effectively, the stethoscope aids in diagnosing medical conditions and monitoring patients’ health.
While refraction (option [B]), diffraction (option [C]), and polarization (option [D]) involve other properties of waves, reflection specifically enables the stethoscope to function as a critical tool in auscultation and medical examination. Thus, reflection of sound is essential to how a stethoscope operates.