ULTRASONICS TESTING LEVEL I

1.) The reference holes in standard aluminum area-amplitude ultrasonic test blocks
contain: A
A. Flat-bottomed holes
B. Concave-surface holes
C. Convex-surface holes
D. Conical-shaped holes
A. You are absolutely right.
B. No, holes are designed to have a plane surface.
C. No, holes are designed to have a plane surface.
D. No, holes are designed to have a plane surface.

2.) The gradual loss of sonic energy as the ultrasonic vibrations travel through the
material is referred to as: D
A. Reflection
B. Refraction
C. Reproducibility
D. Attenuation
A. No, the key words are "gradual loss".
B. No, the key words are "gradual loss".
C. No, reproducibility in this case is not a valid answer.
D. Excellent

3.) A term used to describe numerous small indications on the cathode ray tube screen
resulting from test part structure, numerous small discontinuities, or both is often
referred to as: C
A. Multiple back reflections
B. Multiple front reflections
C. Hash
D. Resonance
A. No, normally back reflections are large.
B. No, normally front reflections are large.
C. You've got it.
D. No, there is no real connection between the question and this choice.

4.) When testing a plate, increasing the frequency of an ultrasonic longitudinal wave will
result in: c
A. An increase in its velocity
B. A decrease in its velocity
C. No change in its velocity
D. A reversal in its velocity
A. No, velocity depends on material properties.
B. No, velocity depends on material properties.
C. You're right.
D. No, this choice is irrelevant.

5.) Ultrasonic waves transmitted into and received from the test material in the form of
repetitive bursts of acoustic energy is called: A
A. Pulse-echo testing
B. Continuous wave testing
C. Resonance testing
D. None of the above
A. Super! You are absolutely right.
B. No, the key phrase is "repetitive bursts" of energy.
C. No, the key phrase is "repetitive bursts" of energy.
D. No, there is a correct answer.

6.) Metal blocks which contain one or more drilled holes to simulate discontinuities are
called: D
A. Scrubbers
 B. Crystal collimators
C. Single plane angulators
D. Reference blocks
A. Sorry! Please try again.
B. Sorry! Please try again.
C. Sorry! Please try again.
D. Absolutely right.

7.) If the major dimensions of a discontinuity in a 6-inch thick aluminum plate lie
parallel to the entry surface at a depth of 3 inches, it will be best detected by: A
A. A straight beam test
B. An angle beam test
C. A surface wave test
D. A lamb wave test
A. Outstanding
B. No, although this could be done, there is an easier method.
C. No, these waves will not penetrate 3 inches deep.
D. Sorry! You cannot excite lamb waves in such a thick material.

8.) The existence of a discontinuity will not produce its specific indication on the CRT
screen when using the: D
A. Straight beam testing method
B. Surface wave testing method
C. Angle beam testing method
D. Immersion testing method
A. No, this will produce an indication.
B. Sorry! You've answered incorrectly.
C. Sorry! This choice is incorrect.
D. You've got it.

9.) The depth of a discontinuity cannot be determined when using: B

A. Straight beam testing method.
B. Through transmission testing method.
C. Angle beam testing method.
D. Immersion testing method.
A. No, presence of indication gives depth information.
B. You are correct.
C. No, presence of indication gives depth information.
D. No, presence of indication gives depth information.

10.) When inspecting coarse-grained material, which of the following frequencies will
generate a sound wave that will be most easily scattered by the grain structure? D
A. 1.0 MHz
B. 2.25 MHz
C. 5 MHz
D. 10 MHz
A. No, scattering is dependent on frequency. Lower frequency causes relatively low
scattering.
B. No, scattering is dependent on frequency. Lower frequency causes relatively low
scattering.
C. No, scattering is dependent on frequency. Lower frequency causes relatively low
scattering.
D. Super! you are absolutely right.

11.) Which of the following search units would contain the thickest crystal? A
A. A 1 megahertz search unit.
B. A 5 megahertz search unit.
C. A 15 megahertz search unit.
D. A 25 megahertz search unit.
A. You are absolutely correct.
B. No, the higher the frequency, the thinner the crystal.
C. No, the higher the frequency, the thinner the crystal.
 D. No, the higher the frequency, the thinner the crystal.

12.) When performing a surface wave test, indications may result from: D
A. Surface discontinuities
B. Oil on the surface
C. Dirt on the surface
D. All three of the above
A. True, but the surface waves are also sensitive to any contamination or cracking on
the surface.
B. True, but the surface waves are also sensitive to any contamination or cracking the
surface.
C. True, but the surface waves are also sensitive to any contamination or cracking the
surface.
D. You are correct.

13.) Search units constructed with a plastic wedge or standoff between the transducer
element and the test piece are commonly used for: D
A. Dual transducer straight beam contact testing.
B. Angle beam contact testing.
C. Surface wave contact testing.
D. All of the above.
A. Although you are partially correct, there are also some other valid answers.
B. Although you are partially correct, there are also some other valid answers.
C. Although you are partially correct, there are also some other valid answers.
D. You are correct.

14.) A search unit containing three or more individual transducer elements is often
referred to as a: C
A. Dual transducer
B. Sandwich transducer
C. Mosaic transducer
D. None of the above
A. No, a dual transducer has two transducers.
B. No, this choice is incorrect.
C. You are correct.
D. No, there is a valid answer.

15.) Sound can be focused by means of special curved adapters located in front of the
transducer element. These adapters are referred to as: B
A. Scrubbers
B. Acoustic lenses
C. Angle beam adapters
D. Single plane adapters
A. Incorrect. Looking for focussing adapters or lenses.
B. You are correct.
C. Incorrect. Looking for focussing adapters or lenses.
D. Incorrect. Looking for focussing adapters or lenses.

16.) A test method in which the parts to be inspected are placed in a water bath or some
other liquid couplant is called: B
A. Contact testing
B. Immersion testing
C. Surface wave testing
D. Through transmission testing
A. Sorry! Contact testing does not require a water bath.
B. Outstanding
C. No, it is difficult, if not impossible, to do surface wave testing when material is
submerged.
D. No, this could be done in contact or immersion mode.

17.) A separate time base line imposed on the viewing screen of some ultrasonic testing
instruments that permits measurement of distances is often referred to as: C
 A. An initial pulse
B. A time/distance line
C. A marker
D. Through transmission testing
A. No, initial pulse is incorrect.
B. Incorrect. Please try again.
C. You are absolutely correct.
D. Incorrect. Please try again.

18.) A term used to describe the ability of an ultrasonic testing system to distinguish
between the entry surface response and the response of discontinuities near the entry
surface is: D
A. Sensitivity
B. Penetration
C. Segregation
D. Resolution
A. No, "how small a defect can be found" defines sensitivity.
B. No, "how deep in a material on sound waves propagate" defines penetration.
C. Incorrect. Segregation means to "isolate or to set apart.
D. Excellent

19.) The phenomenon whereby an ultrasonic wave changes direction when the wave crosses a
boundary between materials with different velocities is called: A
A. Refraction
B. Reflection
C. Penetration
D. Rarefaction
A. You are correct.
B. No, reflection occurs within the same medium.
C. No, "how deep in a material or sound waves propagate" defines penetration.
D. No, rarefaction and compression describe the way in which longitudinal wave
propagates.

20.) In a test where the transducer is not perpendicular to the inspection surface, the
angle of incidence is equal to: B
A. The angle of refraction.
B. The angle of reflection.
C. The shear wave angle.
D. One-half the shear wave angle.
A. No, angle of refraction is determined from the Snell's law.
B. You are absolutely correct.
C. No, there is no relationship with shear wave angle.
D. No, there is no relationship with shear wave angle.

21.) The product of the acoustic velocity of sound in a material and the density of the
material is the factor that determines the amount of reflection or transmission of
ultrasonic energy when it reaches an interface. This term is called: A
A. Acoustic impedance
B. Velocity
C. Wave length
D. Penetration
A. Excellent
B. No, z=velocity * density
C. No, z=velocity * density
D. No, "how deep in a material on sound waves propagate" defines penetration.

22.) Ultrasonic waves that travel along the surface of a material and whose particle
motion is elliptical are called: D
A. Shear waves
B. Transverse waves
C. Longitudinal waves
D. Rayleigh waves
 A. No, particle motion is transverse to the propagation direction.
B. No, particle motion is transverse to the propagation direction.
C. No, particle motion is parallel to the propagation direction.
D. Super! You are correct.

23.) The interference field near the face of a transducer is often referred to as the: A
A. Fresnel zone.
B. Acoustic impedance.
C. Exponential field.
D. Phasing zone.
A. You are correct.
B. No, acoustic impedance is a product of density and velocity.
C. Sorry! There is no such term in Ultrasonic Testing.
D. Sorry! There is no such term in Ultrasonic Testing.

24.) When the incident angle is chosen to be between the first and second critical angles,
the ultrasonic wave mode within the part will be a: B
A. Longitudinal wave
B. Shear wave
C. Surface wave
D. Lamb wave
A. No, longitudinal waves are not present.
B. You are correct.
C. No, surface waves are not present.
D. No, lamb waves are not present.

25.) The formula used to calculate the angle of refraction within a material is called: C
A. Fresnel's law
B. Fraunhofer's law
C. Snell's law
D. Lamb's law
A. Sorry! There is no such term in UT.
B. Sorry! There is no such term in UT.
C. You are correct.
D. Sorry! There is no such term in UT.

26.) In a material with a given velocity, when frequency is increased, the wavelength
will: C
A. Not be effected.
B. Increase.
C. Decrease.
D. Double.
A. No, velocity is a product of frequency and wavelength.
B. No, velocity is a product of frequency and wavelength.
C. You are correct.
D. No, velocity is a product of frequency and wavelength.

27.) Which circuits electronically amplify return signals from the receiving transducer
and often modify the signals into a form suitable for display? D
A. Pulser circuits
B. Marker circuits
C. Timer circuits
D. Receiver-amplifier circuits
A. No, pulser circuit excites the transducer to send ultrasonic signals.
B. No, please try harder.
C. No, please try harder.
D. You are correct.

28.) What is the most common type of data display used for ultrasonic examination of
welds? A
A. An A-scan display
B. A B-scan display
 C. A C-scan display
D. An x-y plot
A. Outstanding
B. No, modern computer based systems can display B-scan.
C. No, however modern computer based systems can display C-scan.
D. No, UT uses A, B, or C-scan.

29.) Which is a plot of signal amplitude versus time? A

A. An A-scan display
B. A B-scan display
C. A C-scan display
D. None of the above
A. You are absolutely correct.
B. No, B-scan displays position vs. distance (side view).
C. No, C-scan displays a plan view.
D. No, there is a correct answer.

30.) Which circuits modify the return signal from the receiving transducer into a form
suitable for display on an oscilloscope or other output device? B
A. Pulser
B. Receiver-amplifier
C. Clock
D. Sweep
A. No, pulser circuit excites the transducer to send ultrasonic signals.
B. You are correct.
C. Sorry! Please try again.
D. Sorry! Please try again.

31.) Which circuit generates a burst of energy which is applied to the sending transducer?
A
A. Pulser
B. Receiver-amplifier
C. Damping
D. Clock
A. You are correct.
B. No, Receiver-amplifier modifies return signal for display.
C. Sorry! Please try again.
D. No, clock coordinates operation of the entire UT system.

32.) Which circuit coordinates operation of the entire ultrasonic instrument system? C
A. Damping
B. Receiver-amplifier
C. Clock
D. Power supply
A. Sorry! Please try again.
B. No, Receiver-amplifier modifies return signal for display.
C. You are correct.
D. Incorrect. Please try again.

33.) A plan view display or recording of a part under examination is called: A

A. A C-scan display.
B. An A-scan display.
C. An X-axis plot.
D. A strip chart recording.
A. You are absolutely correct.
B. No, A-scan displays time vs. amplitude.
C. No such plot exists in Ultrasonic Testing.
D. Sorry! Please try again.

34.) Ultrasonic data which is presented in a form representative of the cross-section of

the test specimen is called: B
A. An A-scan presentation.
 B. A B-scan presentation.
C. A C-scan presentation.
D. An X-Y plot.
A. No, A-scan displays time vs. amplitude.
B. You are absolutely correct.
C. No, C-scan displays plan view.
D. No, such plot exists in Ultrasonic Testing.

35.) What type of ultrasonic examination uses wheel-type search units that eliminate the
use of a tank? D
A. Through transmission testing.
B. Contact testing.
C. Resonance testing.
D. Immersion testing.
A. Sorry! Your answer is incorrect. The key words are "eliminate use of a tank.
B. Sorry! Your answer is incorrect. The key words are "eliminate use of a tank.
C. Sorry! Your answer is incorrect. The key words are "eliminate use of a tank.
D. Outstanding!

36.) In addition to other functions, a probe manipulator in a mechanical immersion

scanning unit permits: C
A. Use of the through transmission technique.
B. Use of high scanning speeds.
C. Detection of obliquely-oriented discontinuities.
D. Utilization of less skilled operators.
A. No, a through transmission requires two manipulators.
B. No, this is not always the case.
C. You are correct.
D. No, a probe manipulator has little to do with an operator's skills.

37.) A type of data presentation most likely to be used with a high-speed automatic
scanning system is: C
A. An A-scan presentation.
B. A velocity versus amplitude plot.
C. A C-scan presentation.
D. A plot of echo height versus depth.
A. No, it is difficult to interpret A-scan's at high speed.
B. There is no such plot in Ultrasonic Testing.
C. Excellent
D. No, this is incorrect.

38.) The component in a conventional immersion system which spans the width of the
immersion tank is called: B
A. An articulator.
B. A bridge.
C. A manipulator.
D. A search tube.
A. No, an articulator lets you angulate the search unit.
B. You are correct.
C. No, a manipulator provides angulation facility.
D. No, a search tube allows for changing water path.

39.) Which component in an ultrasonic immersion system is used to adjust and maintain a
known transducer angle? B
A. A carriage
B. A manipulator
C. A search tube
D. An index system
A. No, a carriage allows movement in the x and y directions.
B. You are correct.
C. No, a search tube is used for changing water path.
D. No, this answer is not correct.
40.) An amplitude type gate is necessary for all: C
A. Shear wave examinations.
B. Longitudinal wave examinations.
C. Automatic examinations.
D. Manual examinations.
A. No, most shear exams are manual.
B. No, gates are useful for high-speed data acquisition and recording.
C. You are correct.
D. No, gates are useful for high-speed data acquisition and recording.

41.) When a C-scan recording is used to produce a permanent record of an ultrasonic test,
the information displayed is typically the: D
A. Discontinuity depth and size.
B. Discontinuity depth, orientation, and size.
C. Discontinuity location and depth.
D. Discontinuity location and size (plan view).
A. No, a C-scan does not provide depth information.
B. No, a C-scan does not provide depth information.
C. No, a C-scan does not provide depth information.
D. You are absolutely correct.

42.) Rough entry surface conditions can result in: C

A. A loss of echo amplitude from discontinuities.
B. An increase in the width of the front surface echo.
C. Both A and B.
D. None of the above.
A. Although you are close, consider what happens to the front surface echo.
B. Although you are close, consider what happens to the signal amplitude.
C. Super! You are absolutely correct.
D. No, there is a valid answer choice.

43.) As the grain size increases in a material, its principal effect in ultrasonic testing
is on: B
A. The velocity of sound.
B. The attenuation.
C. The acoustic impedance.
D. The angle of refraction.
A. No, velocity depends on modulus of elasticity and density.
B. You are correct.
C. No, in theory, grain size has no affect on acoustic impedance.
D. No, in theory, grain size has no affect on the angle of refraction.

44.) In straight beam pulse echo testing a discontinuity with a rough reflecting surface
perpendicular to the incident wave will have what effect on the detected signal in
comparison to a smooth flat-bottom hole of the same size? B
A. Increase it.
B. Decrease it.
C. Have no effect on it.
D. Decrease the width of the pulse of it.
A. No, surface roughness will scatter sound energy.
B. You are correct.
C. No, surface roughness will scatter sound energy.
D. No, surface roughness will scatter sound energy.

45.) Ultrasonic vibrations can be propagated only in the longitudinal mode in which of the
following media? A
A. Machine oil
B. Aluminum
C. Ice
D. Beryllium
A. You are absolutely correct.
 B. No, In metals, L-waves as well as other types of waves will be generated.
C. No, solids support longitudinal as well as other types of waves.
D. No, solids support longitudinal as well as other types of waves.

46.) If the velocity of a longitudinal mode wave in a given homogeneous material is .625
cm/micro sec. at 1/2 inch below the surface, what is the velocity at 2 inches below the
surface? C
A. 1/4 the velocity at 1/2 inch.
B. 1/2 the velocity at 1/2 inch.
C. The same as the velocity at 1/2 inch.
D. None of the above.
A. Incorrect, velocity is a function of modulus and density.
B. Incorrect, velocity is a function of modulus and density.
C. You are correct.
D. No, there is a valid answer choice.

47.) If a 5.0 MHz transducer is substituted for a 2.25 MHz transducer, what would be the
effect on the wavelength of a longitudinal mode wave produced in the test specimen? B
A. The wavelength would be longer.
B. The wavelength would remain constant.
C. The wavelength would be shorter.
D. The wavelength would vary directly with the acoustic impedance.
A. No, not according to c=frequency x wavelength.
B. No, not according to c=frequency x wavelength.
C. Very good!
D. No, think about the formula c=frequency x wavelength.

48.) What can cause irrelevant indications on the cathode ray tube? D
A. Contoured surfaces
B. Edge effects
C. Surface conditions
D. All of the above
A. Although you are partially correct, there are also other irregularities that produce
an identical affect.
B. Although you are partially correct, there are also other irregularities that produce
an identical affect.
C. Although you are partially correct, there are also other irregularities that produce
an identical affect.
D. You are absolutely correct.

49.) The proper interpretation and evaluation of the presented defect signals are
essential to any nondestructive test. A common method for the estimation of defect size
is the use of a: D
A. Double transducer test
B. Piezoelectric standard
C. Mode conversion
D. Reference standard
A. No, calibration and/or standards are required.
B. Sorry! This is an incorrect answer. longitudinal, shear waves etc.
C. No, mode conversion describes incident wave converting into longitudinal shear waves
etc.
D. Outstanding!

50.) Another name for Fresnel Zone is: B

A. Fraunhofer Zone
B. Near Field
C. Far Field
D. Torrid Zone
A. No, a fraunhofer zone is the exact opposite.
B. You are correct.
C. No, a far field is the opposite of a fresnel zone.
D. No, there is no such zone in Ultrasonic testing.
51.) Attenuation is a: B
A. Test display characteristic.
B. Test material parameter.
C. Transducer characteristic.
D. Form of testing.
A. No, attenuation depends on grain size, anisotropy, etc.
B. You are correct.
C. No, attenuation depends on grain size, anisotropy, etc.
D. No, attenuation depends on grain size, anisotropy, etc.

52.) For discontinuity geometries other than flat, the echo amplitude is usually ________
from that observed for a flat defect, of similar orientation perpendicular to the sound
beams. C
A. Identical
B. Increased
C. Decreased
D. Elongated
A. No, reflector shape change will change the signal amplitude.
B. No, there is more dispersion from other than the flat reflector.
C. You are correct.
D. No, amplitude should increase or decrease. Elongated amplitude has no meaning.

53.) What must be done to evaluate discontinuities that are oriented at an angle to the
entry surface so that the sound beam will strike the plane of the discontinuity at right
angles? C
A. Change the frequency
B. Grind the surface
C. Angulate the search unit
D. Increase the gain
A. No, consider the case where the sound beam is perpendicular to the discontinuity.
B. No, surface grinding can only help if there is surface roughness.
C. You are correct.
D. No, this won't help in this case. Consider the case where the sound beam is
perpendicular to the discontinuity.

54.) The pulser circuit in an ultrasonic instrument is used to: B

A. Control the horizontal and vertical sweep.
B. Activate the transducer.
C. Control transducer timing between transmit and sweep.
D. Generate markers that appear on horizontal sweep.
A. No, how do you energize the search unit?
B. You are correct.
C. No, how do you energize the search unit?
D. No, how do you energize the search unit?

55.) An A-scan CRT display which shows a signal both above and below the sweep line is
called a: B
A. Video display
B. RF display
C. Audio display
D. Frequency modulated display
A. No, video display shows signals above the sweep line.
B. Excellent!
C. No, Audio-means which can be heard.
D. Sorry!! You've answered incorrectly.

56.) A B-scan display shows the relative: B

A. Distance a discontinuity is from the transducer and its through- dimension thickness.
B. Distance a discontinuity is from the transducer and its length in the direction of
transducer travel.
C. Cross-sectional area of a discontinuity above a predetermined amplitude.
 D. None of the above.
A. No, but you are close.
B. You are correct.
C. Sorry! You have answered incorrectly.
D. No, there is a correct answer.

57.) Surface (Rayleigh) waves traveling on the top face of a block: B

A. Are not reflected from a sharp edge corner.
B. Are reflected from a sharp edge corner.
C. Travel through the sharp edge corner and are reflected from the lower edge.
D. Are absorbed by a sharp corner.
A. Sorry! Any surface discontinuity will reflect Rayleigh waves.
B. You are right.
C. No, any surface discontinuity will reflect signals.
D. No, any surface discontinuity will reflect signals.

58.) Surface (Rayleigh) waves traveling on the top face of a block are attenuated by the
presence of: D
A. A curved surface
B. A heavy couplant
C. Machining marks and rough surfaces.
D. Both B and C
A. No, Rayleigh waves are not attenuated by a curved surface.
B. Yes, but there are factors too.
C. You are close! Try again.
D. You are absolutely correct.

59.) The velocity of sound in a material is dependent upon the: C

A. Frequency of the wave
B. Wavelength
C. Material properties
D. Vibration cycle
A. No, in most materials velocity is independent of frequency.
B. Wavelength=Velocity/frequency.
C. You are absolutely correct.
D. Sorry! Please try again.

60.) To vary or change the wavelength of sound being used to test a part, you would change
the: A
A. Sound wave frequency.
B. Diameter of the transducer.
C. Electrical pulse voltage.
D. Pulse repetition rate.
A. You are absolutely correct.
B. No, changing diameters of transducers will only change beam spread.
C. No, electrical pulse voltage will only change penetration.
D. No, pulse repetition rate means how often you pulse the transducer, it has nothing to
do with wavelength.

61.) Ultrasonic vibrations are commonly used to: D

A. Examine materials for discontinuities.
B. Examine materials for thickness.
C. Examine materials for mechanical properties.
D. All of the above.
A. True, but Ultrasonics can do much more.
B. True, but Ultrasonics can do much more.
C. True, but Ultrasonics can do much more.
D. Super!

62.) Which of the following has the longest Fresnel zone? D

A. 1/2-inch diameter 1.0 MHz.
B. 1/2-inch diameter 2.25 MHz.
 C. 1-1/8-inch diameter 1.0 MHz.
D. 1-1/2-inch diameter 2.0 MHz.
A. No, N=(diameter square/(4*wave length))
B. No, N=(diameter square/(4*wave length))
C. No, N=(diameter square/(4*wave length))
D. You are correct.

63.) When contact testing, if the ultrasonic instrument is set with an excessively high
pulse repetition rate, which of the following may occur? D
A. The screen trace will become too light to see.
B. The time-base line will become distorted.
C. The initial pulse will disappear.
D. Ghost or "phantom" indications will appear on screen during scanning.
A. No, trace is light if pulse repetition rate is too slow.
B. No, high gain distorts time base line.
C. No. Try harder.
D. Exactly!

64.) The advantages of immersion testing include which of the following? D

A. Inspection speed increased.
B. Ability to control and direct sound beams.
C. Adaptability for automated scanning.
D. All of the above.
A. True, but there are other advantages too.
B. True, but there are other advantages too.
C. True, but there are other advantages too.
D. You are absolutely correct.

65.) Longitudinal wave velocity in water is approximately one-fourth the velocity in

aluminum or steel. Therefore the minimum water path should be: C
A. Four times the test piece thickness.
B. One-half the test piece thickness.
C. One-fourth the test piece thickness plus 1/4 inch.
D. None of the above.
A. Sorry, your answer is incorrect.
B. Sorry, you answer is incorrect.
C. Super!
D. No, there is a correct answer.

66.) In immersion testing a wetting agent is added to the water to: B

A. Adjust the viscosity.
B. Help eliminate the formation of air bubbles.
C. Prevent cloudiness.
D. None of the above.
A. No, the wetting agent is added to improve the impedance match.
B. Super!
C. No, the wetting agent is added to improve the impedance match.
D. No, there is a correct answer.

67.) The indication on the cathode ray tube(CRT) which represents the far boundary of the
material being tested is called: D
A. Hash
B. The initial pause
C. The "main bang"
D. The back surface reflection
A. Hash is due to electronic noise and scattering from grains.
B. In ultrasonic terminology there is no such thing. The closest will be initial pulse.
C. "Main Bang" is the initial pulse or voltage pulse which excites the transducer.
D. You are absolutely correct!
68.) In immersion testing, the position of the search unit is often varied to transmit
sound into the test part at various angles to the front surface. Such a procedure is
referred to as: A
A. Angulation.
B. Dispersion.
C. Reflection testing.
D. Refraction.
A. You are correct!
B. Dispersion, simply put, could be called beam broadening. The other three choices, in
this case, are more relevant.
C. No, Reflection occurs when a sound beam is reflected.
D. Although you are close, this is not the correct answer.

69.) The cable that connects the ultrasonic instrument to the search unit is specially
designed so that one conductor is centered inside another. The technical name for such a
cable is: C
A. BX cable
B. Conduit
C. Coaxial cable
D. Ultrasonic conductor cable-grade 20
A. Are you guessing? This answer is not applicable at all. Reread the choices and try
again.
B. Sorry, Conduits are hollow from the inside.
C. Yes, the coaxial cable is the right answer.
D. There exists no such cable. Are you guessing?

70.) The process of comparing an instrument or device with a standard is called: B

A. Angulation
B. Calibration
C. Attenuation
D. Correlation
A. No, Angulation is a testing procedure in which sound is transmitted at various
angles.
B. Yes, the process is called calibration.
C. No, attenuation shows up as a decrease in signal amplitude.
D. Good guess, but wrong answer.

71.) Another name for a compressional wave is: C

A. Lamb wave
B. Shear wave
C. Longitudinal wave
D. Transverse wave
A. No, particle motion with respect to wave direction defines the type of wave.
B. No, in compression wave particle motion and direction of wave propagation are
parallel.
C. You are absolutely correct.
D. No, in compression wave particle motion and direction of wave propagation are
parallel.

72.) A second name for Rayleigh waves is: D

A. Shear waves
B. Longitudinal waves
C. Transverse waves
D. Surface waves
A. No, in Rayleigh waves particle motion is elliptical.
B. No, in Rayleigh waves particle motion is elliptical.
C. No, in Rayleigh waves particle motion is elliptical.
D. You're absolutely correct.

73.) A material used between the face of a search unit and the test surface to permit or
improve the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations from the search unit to the material
being tested is called: B
 A. A wetting agent
B. A couplant
C. An acoustic transmitter
D. A lubricant
A. No, wetting agent is used to reduce surface tension so that fluid spreads over the
surface.
B. You are correct.
C. Sorry! Please try again.
D. No, lubricant is used for reducing friction.

74.) The piezoelectric material in a search unit which vibrates to produce ultrasonic
waves is called: C
A. A backing material
B. A lucite wedge
C. A transducer element or crystal
D. A couplant
A. No, backing material is behind the piezoelectric material.
B. No, wedge is in front of piezoelectric material.
C. You are correct.
D. Sorry! Couplant is used to improve or permit transmission of ultrasound.

75.) Ultrasonic testing of material where the search unit is in direct contact with the
material being tested may be: D
A. Straight beam testing
B. Surface wave testing
C. Angle beam testing
D. All of the above
A. You are partially correct, but surface wave and angle beam testing could also be
done.
B. You are partially correct, but straight beam and angle beam testing could also be
done.
C. You are partially correct, but straight beam and surface beam testing could also be
done.
D. You are correct.

76.) An advantage of using lithium sulfate in search units it that: B

A. It is one of the most efficient generators of ultrasonic energy.
B. It is one of the most efficient receivers of ultrasonic energy.
C. It is insoluble.
D. It can withstand temperatures as high as 700 degrees celsius.
A. Barium titanate is the most efficient generator.
B. You are correct.
C. Most piezoelectric crystals are insoluble. (i.e. do not dissolve in water or
couplant.)
D. None of the crystals can withstand such high temperature.

77.) Which of the following search units would contain the thinnest quartz crystal? D
A. A 1-MHz search unit
B. A 5-MHz search unit
C. A 15-MHz search unit
D. A 25-MHz search unit
A. Crystal thickness is inversely proportional to frequency.
B. Crystal thickness is inversely proportional to frequency.
C. Crystal thickness is inversely proportional to frequency.
D. You are correct.

78.) A 25-megahertz search unit would most likely be used during: B

A. Straight beam contact testing.
B. Immersion testing.
C. Angle beam contact testing.
D. Surface wave contact testing.
A. In contact testing frequencies, up to 10 MHz are normally used.
 B. You are correct.
C. In angle beam contact testing frequencies up to 10 MHz are normally used.
D. In surface wave testing, frequencies up to 10 MHz are normally used.

79.) The amount of beam divergence from a crystal is primarily dependent on the: C
A. Type of test
B. Tightness of crystal backing in the search unit
C. Frequency and crystal size
D. Pulse length
A. No, relation between beam angle of divergence is determined from wavelength divided
by crystal diameter.
B. No, relation between beam angle of divergence is determined from wavelength divided
by crystal diameter.
C. Outstanding!
D. No, relation between beam angle of divergence is determined from wavelength divided
by crystal diameter.

80.) When an ultrasonic beam passes through the interface between two dissimilar materials
at an angle, a new angle of sound travel takes place in the second material due to: D
A. Attenuation
B. Rarefaction
C. Compression
D. Refraction
A. No, attenuation depends on frequency of testing.
B. No, rarefaction and compression describe the way in which longitudinal waves
propagate.
C. No, rarefaction and compression describe the way in which longitudinal waves
propagate.
D. You've got it.

81.) The velocity of surface waves is approximately ________ the velocity of shear waves
in the same material. D
A. Two times
B. Four times
C. One-half
D. Nine-tenths
A. No, surface waves travel slower than shear waves.
B. No, surface waves travel slower than shear waves.
C. No, but you are close.
D. Outstanding!

82.) Under most circumstances, which of the following frequencies would result in the best
resolving power? D
A. 1 megahertz
B. 5 megahertz
C. 10 megahertz
D. 25 megahertz
A. No, resolution is directly proportional to frequency.
B. No, resolution is directly proportional to frequency.
C. No, resolution is directly proportional to frequency.
D. You're right.

83.) Which of the following materials of the same alloy is most likely to produce the
greatest amount of sound attenuation over a given distance? B
A. A hand forging
B. A coarse grained casting
C. An extrusion
D. The attenuation is equal in all materials
A. No, the closer the grain particles, the smaller the attenuation.
B. Absolutely right.
C. No, the closer the grain particles, the smaller the attenuation.
D. No, this is incorrect. It depends on the material and how it was fabricated.
84.) In contact testing, the entry surface indication is sometimes referred to as: C
A. The initial pulse
B. The "main bang" or transmitter pulse
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
A. Even though this is one answer, there is also another name for it.
B. Even though this is one answer, there is also another name for it.
C. Outstanding!
D. No. All choices listed are at least partially correct.

85.) A screen pattern containing a large number of low-level indications (often referred
to as "hash") could be caused by: C
A. A crack
B. A large inclusion
C. Coarse grained material
D. A gas pocket
A. No, a crack should give a single, relatively large, indication.
B. No, a large inclusion should give a single, relatively large, indication.
C. That is correct.
D. No, a gas pocket should give a single, relatively large, indication.

86.) A test method employing two separate search units on opposite surfaces of the
material being tested is called: C
A. Contact testing
B. Surface wave testing
C. Through-transmission testing
D. Lamb wave testing
A. No, in contact testing, a search unit is in contact with the material.
B. No, in surface wave testing, if two search units are used, they will both be on the
same side.
C. Absolutely right.
D. No, in Lamb wave testing, if two search units are used, they will both be on the same
side.

87.) The number of complete waves which pass a given point in a given period of time
(usually one second) is referred to as the: C
A. Amplitude of a wave motion
B. Pulse length of a wave motion
C. Frequency of a wave motion
D. Wavelength of a wave motion
A. No, for measuring amplitude, you do not count the number of waves.
B. No, for measuring pulse length, you do not count the number, but the duration.
C. Outstanding!
D. No, although you are close, the units being asked are per second. Wavelength has
units of distance.

88.) The boundary between two different materials which are in contact with each other is
called: C
A. A rarefactor
B. A refractor
C. An interface
D. A marker
A. Sorry! Your answer is incorrect.
B. Sorry! Your answer is incorrect.
C. You've got it.
D. Sorry! Your answer is incorrect.

89.) When the motion of the particles of a medium is parallel to the direction of
propagation, the wave being transmitted is called a: A
A. Longitudinal wave
B. Shear wave
 C. Surface wave
D. Lamb wave
A. Excellent
B. No, particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
C. No, for surface waves, particle motion is elliptical.
D. No, for lamb waves, particle motion is quite complex.

90.) When the motion of the particles of a medium is transverse to the direction of
propagation, the wave being transmitted is called a: B
A. Longitudinal wave
B. Shear wave
C. Surface wave
D. Lamb wave
A. No, for longitudinal waves, particle motion is parallel to the direction of
propagation.
B. You've got it.
C. No, for surface waves, particle motion is elliptical.
D. No, for lamb waves, particle motion is quite complex.

91.) "25 million cycles per second" can also be stated as: C
A. 25 kilohertz
B. 2500 kilohertz
C. 25 megahertz
D. 25 microhertz
A. "Kilo" means thousand. i.e. 25 KHz = 25000 cycles per second.
B. "Kilo" means thousand. i.e. 2500 KHz = 2500000 cycles per sec. 2.5 MHz where
M = Mega = Million.
C. Absolutely right.
D. "Micro" means 1 exp. -6.(.000001) This selection is irrelevant.

92.) Moving a search unit over a test surface either manually or automatically is referred
to as: A
A. Scanning
B. Attenuating
C. Angulating
D. Resonating
A. Super
B. No, choice b is wrong. Try again.
C. No, choice c is wrong. Try again.
D. No, choice d is wrong. Try again.

93.) A term used in ultrasonics to express the rate at which sound waves pass through
various substances is: B
A. Frequency
B. Velocity
C. Wave length
D. Pulse length
A. No, frequency is number of oscillations per second.
B. Outstanding!
C. No, units of wavelength are same as that of distance. The question is asking for the
rate.
D. No, units of pulse length are second.

94.) When a vertical indication has reached the maximum signal height which can be
displayed or viewed on the CRT of an ultrasonic instrument, the indication is said to have
reached its: C
A. Distance-amplitude height
B. Absorption level
C. Vertical level
D. Limit to resolution
A. Sorry! This choice is incorrect.
B. No, in UT what does absorption level mean? Think harder
 C. You are correct.
D. No, resolution is related to pulse duration and beam width.

95.) An ultrasonic testing technique in which the transducer element is not parallel to
the test surface is called: A
A. Angle beam testing
B. Immersion testing
C. Contact testing
D. Through-transmission testing
A. You've got it.
B. No, in immersion testing part, transducer is submerged in a liquid. Element may or
may not be at an angle.
C. No, contact testing includes straight and angle beam testing.
D. No, in through-transmission, transducers are on opposite sides of the material.

96.) Most commercial ultrasonic testing is accomplished using frequencies between: B

A. 1 and 25 kilohertz
B. 0.2 and 25 megahertz
C. 1 and 1,000 kilohertz
D. 15 and 100 megahertz
A. No, this is not even in the ultrasonic range. You can only hear up to 20 KHz
frequency range.
B. You are correct.
C. No, you are closer towards the low frequency end.
D. No, this is mostly used for NDT research.

97.) In an A-scan presentation, the horizontal base line represents the: C

A. Amount of reflected ultrasonic sound energy
B. Distance traveled by the search unit
C. Elapsed time or distance
D. None of the above
A. No, this is not on horizontal baseline but on the vertical.
B. No, in A-scan either you see amount of reflected energy or elapsed time or elapsed
distance.
C. You are absolutely correct.
D. No, there is a correct answer for this question.

98.) Which of the following test frequencies would generally provide the best penetration
in a 12-inch thick specimen of coarse- grained steel? A
A. 1.0 MHz
B. 2.25 MHz
C. 5.0 MHz
D. 10 MHz
A. Outstanding!
B. No, lower the frequency, the higher the penetration.
C. No, lower the frequency, the higher the penetration.
D. No, the lower the frequency, the higher the penetration.

99.) In a basic ultrasonic test pattern (A-scan) for contact testing, the initial pulse
(assume no sweep delay is used): A
A. Is the high indication on the extreme left side of the screen that represents the
entry surface of the inspected part.
B. Is the first pulse that occurs near the right side of the screen and represents the
opposite boundary of the inspected part.
C. Is an indication that appears and disappears during screening.
D. Is always the second pulse from the left on the viewing screen.
A. Excellent!
B. No, this is back surface reflection.
C. No, defect signals appear and disappear. Initial pulse is always there.
D. Sorry! Your answer is incorrect.
100.) An ultrasonic test using a straight beam contact search unit is being conducted
through the thickness of a flat part such as a plate. This test should detect: A
A. Laminar-type flaws with major dimensions parallel to the rolled surface.
B. Transverse-type flaws with major dimensions at right angles to the rolled surface.
C. Radial flaws with major dimensions along length, but radially oriented to the rolled
surface.
D. None of the above.
A. Super!
B. No, the golden rule of ultrasonics, "Always impinge the flaw so that maximum energy
is reflected back, i.e. perpendicular to flow.
C. No, the golden rule of ultrasonics, "Always impinge the flaw so that maximum energy
is reflected back, i.e. perpendicular to flow.
D. Sorry! Please try again.

101.) In ultrasonic testing, a liquid coupling medium between the crystal surface and the
part surface is necessary because: B
A. Lubricant is required to minimize wear on the crystal surface.
B. An air interface between the crystal surface and the part surface would almost
completely reflect the ultrasonic vibrations.
C. The crystal will not vibrate if placed directly in contact with the surface of the
part being inspected.
D. The liquid is necessary to complete the electrical circuit in the search unit.
A. No, it is important to maximize coupling.
B. Excellent!
C. Not correct. Only energy will not be transmitted into the part.
D. Incorrect. Only energy will not be transmitted into the part.

102.) Entry surface resolution is a characteristic of an ultrasonic testing system which

defines its ability to: D
A. Detect discontinuities oriented in a direction parallel to the ultrasonic beam.
B. Detect discontinuities located in the center of a forging containing a fine
metallurgic structure.
C. Detect minute surface scratches.
D. Detect discontinuities located just beneath the entry surface in the part being
tested.
A. No, entry surface resolution is related to "main bang" and its duration.
B. No, entry surface resolution is related to "main bang" and its duration.
C. No, entry surface resolution is related to "main bang" and its duration.
D. Super!

103.) During ultrasonic testing by the immersion method, it is frequently necessary to

angulate the search unit when a discontinuity is located in order to: B
A. Avoid a large number of back reflections that could interfere with a normal test
pattern.
B. Obtain a maximum response if the discontinuity is not originally oriented
perpendicular to the ultrasonic beam.
C. Obtain the maximum number of entry surface reflections.
D. Obtain a discontinuity indication of the same height as the indication from the flat-
bottomed hole in a reference block.
A. No, this could be done by adjusting time base, sweep control etc.
B. Super! You are absolutely correct.
C. Sorry! Think again.
D. No, in UT, you always try to get maximum amplitude signal.

104.) All other factors being equal, which of the following modes of vibration has the
greatest velocity? D
A. Shear wave
B. Transverse wave
C. Surface wave
D. Longitudinal wave
A. No, compressional waves travel the fastest.
B. No, compressional waves travel the fastest.
 C. No, compressional waves travel the fastest.
D. You are absolutely correct.

105.) On the area-amplitude ultrasonic standard test blocks, the flat- bottomed holes in
the blocks are: B
A. All of the same diameter
B. Different in diameter, increasing by 1/64-inch increments from the No. "1" block to
the No. "8" block.
C. Largest in the No. "1" block and smallest in the No. "8" block.
D. Drilled to different depths from the front surface of the test block.
A. No, they have different diameters.
B. You've got it.
C. No, this is incorrect.
D. No, they have different diameters.

106.) In immersion testing, verification that the search unit is normal to a flat entry
surface is indicated by: A
A. Maximum reflection from the entry surface
B. Elimination of water multiples
C. Proper wavelength
D. Maximum amplitude of the initial pulse
A. Excellent!! You are correct.
B. No, by eliminating water multiples you cannot be assured that the search unit is
normal.
C. No, this does not assure normality.
D. No, this does not assure normality.

107.) Sound waves of a frequency beyond the hearing range of the human ear are referred to
as ultrasonic waves or vibrations, and the term embraces all vibrational waves of
frequency greater than approximately: A
A. 20,000 hertz
B. 2 megahertz
C. 2 kilohertz
D. 200 kilohertz
A. Super! You are right.
B. No, ultrasonic range starts at lower frequency.
C. No, this is within the hearing range.
D. No, ultrasonic range starts at lower frequency.

108.) The velocity of sound waves is primarily dependent on: C

A. The pulse length
B. The frequency
C. The material in which the sound is being transmitted and the mode of vibration
D. None of the above.
A. No, velocity has nothing to do with the pulse length.
B. No, velocity is independent of frequency and depends on modulus and density.
C. Outstanding!
D. No, think again.

109.) A disadvantage of using natural quartz crystals in a search unit is that: B

A. It will dissolve in water.
B. It is the least effective generator of ultrasonic energy of all commonly used
materials.
C. It is mechanically and electrically unstable.
D. It easily loses it operating characteristics as it ages.
A. No, this is not a problem. How do you make the best transducers.
B. You've got it.
C. No, generation and reception are the main concerns.
D. No, generation and reception are the main concerns.

110.) An advantage of using a ceramic transducer in search units is that: A

A. It is one of the most efficient generators of ultrasonic energy.
 B. It is one of the most efficient receivers of ultrasonic energy.
C. It has a very low mechanical impedance.
D. It can withstand temperatures as high as 700 degrees celsius.
A. Absolutely correct.
B. No, quartz is a better receiver than many ceramic transducers.
C. No, generation and reception are most important factors.
D. Sorry! Please try again.

111.) The primary purpose of reference blocks is to: C

A. Aid the operator in obtaining maximum back reflections.
B. Obtain the greatest sensitivity possible from an instrument.
C. Obtain a common reproducible signal.
D. None of the above.
A. No, reference blocks are used to establish some sort of reference comparison.
B. No, reference blocks are used to establish some sort of reference comparison.
C. You are absolutely correct.
D. No, reference blocks are used to establish some sort of reference comparison.

112.) When testing by the surface wave method, patches of oil or dirt on the surface may:
D
A. Block the progress of all sound.
B. Attenuate the sound.
C. Have no effect on the test.
D. Cause both an attenuation of sound and indications on the screen.
A. Yes, but shouldn't there be an indication on screen because of patches of oil or
dirt.
B. Close, but there is more to it.
C. No, in surface wave testing the surface must be clean.
D. Super! You are absolutely correct.

113.) In immersion testing, the most commonly used couplant is: A

A. Water
B. Oil
C. Glycerine
D. Alcohol
A. Excellent
B. No, the choice of couplant is based on many factors including affect on material,
wetting properties, etc.
C. No, the choice of couplant is based on many factors including affect on material,
wetting properties, etc.
D. No, the choice of couplant is based on many factors including affect on material,
wetting properties, etc.

114.) Which of the following frequencies will produce the shortest wavelength pulse? B
A. 1.0 megahertz
B. 25 megahertz
C. 10 megahertz
D. 5 megahertz
A. No, since c=frequency x wavelength, the larger the frequency, the smaller the
wavelength.
B. You've got it.
C. No, since c=freq x wavelength, the higher the frequency, the smaller the wavelength.
D. No, since c=freq x wavelength, the higher the frequency, the smaller the wavelength.

115.) The angle of incidence is: C

A. Greater than the angle of reflection
B. Less than the angle of reflection
C. Equal to the angle of reflection
D. Not related to the angle of reflection
A. No, this is not possible according to Snell's law.
B. No, this is not possible according to Snell's law.
C. You're right.
 D. No, the angle of reflection and the angle of incidence are very much related.

116.) On many ultrasonic testing instruments, an operator conducting an immersion test can
remove that portion of the screen presentation that represents water distance by adjusting
a: C
A. Pulse length control.
B. Reject control.
C. Sweep delay control.
D. Sweep length control.
A. No, pulse length control will change pulse length, it cannot remove anything from the
screen.
B. No, the reject control is set up on the basis of signal amplitude.
C. Absolutely correct.
D. No, but you are close. Sweep length will change number of water multiples.

117.) "100,000 cycles per second" can be written: B

A. 10 kilohertz
B. 100 kilohertz
C. 100 MHz
D. 0.1 kilohertz.
A. "Kilo" means one thousand.
B. Outstanding
C. No, One Megahertz means one million cycles/second.
D. No, the prefix kilo means one thousand.

118.) A search unit with a frequency greater than 10 MHz will most likely be used during:
D
A. A straight beam contact test of aluminum ingot
B. An angle beam contact test of a steel pipe
C. A surface wave contact test of a metallic plate
D. An immersion test
A. No, immersion tests are normally of higher frequency than contact testing.
B. No, immersion tests are normally of higher frequency than angle beam testing.
C. No, immersion tests are normally of higher frequency than surface wave testing.
D. You've got it.