Surgical Tech Practice Exam 2026 - Free Surgical Tech Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cavitation is primarily associated with the use of ultrasonic energy in medical and surgical applications, particularly in procedures like ultrasound cleaning or disinfection. During this process, high-frequency sound waves create pressure variations in a liquid, leading to the formation and collapse of tiny vapor-filled bubbles. This rapid formation and implosion of bubbles produces shock waves that effectively remove debris and contaminants from surfaces, especially in instruments and tools used in surgical settings.

The other options, while related to different aspects of technology and cleaning processes, do not specifically relate to the phenomenon of cavitation. For instance, acoustic energy refers to sound waves in general and does not specifically denote the action of cavitation which is tied to the ultrasonic frequencies. Mechanical scrubbing involves physical action rather than the dynamic fluid interactions seen in cavitation. Similarly, a chemical solution pertains to the use of chemicals for cleaning or disinfecting but does not encompass the mechanics of cavitation that rely on ultrasonic sound waves.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the specific context in which cavitation occurs through the application of ultrasonic technology.