Which statement best describes a phased array transducer?

• A. Fires a single element per pulse
• B. Uses a curved lens to steer the beam mechanically
• C. Fires most or all elements with small time delays to steer the beam
• D. Has no beam steering capability

Answer: (C)

Electronic steering and focusing by applying precise time delays across many elements defines a phased array transducer. When most or all elements fire with small, controlled delays, their waves interfere constructively in a chosen direction, creating a beam that can be steered without moving the transducer. By adjusting those delays, you can steer the beam and also focus it at specific depths for better resolution. This is the hallmark of a phased array. The other statements describe either firing a single element, relying on mechanical steering with a lens, or having no steering at all, none of which capture the electronic steering capability of a phased array.