Ultrasound and ultrasonic are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts within the realm of sound waves.
Ultrasound refers specifically to sound waves with frequencies higher than 20 kHz, which is above the upper limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is commonly used in medical imaging, where it can create images of the inside of the body, such as during pregnancy to view the fetus or to examine internal organs.
On the other hand, ultrasonic is an adjective that describes any technology or application that uses ultrasonic frequencies, including devices or methods that operate at these high frequencies. Ultrasonic cleaning, for instance, employs ultrasonic waves to clean delicate items like jewelry or electronic equipment.
In summary, ultrasound refers specifically to the sound waves themselves, while ultrasonic describes the broader category of applications or technologies that utilize those sound waves. Both play important roles in various fields, including medicine and industrial cleaning.