Which statement best describes the visual difference between linear and convex arrays?

• A. Convex Arrays Have a Bowed Shape, While Linear Arrays Do Not
• B. Linear Arrays Have a Bowed Shape
• C. Both Have Identical Geometry
• D. Linear Arrays Have Curved Elements Only Near the Tip

Answer: (A)

The visual difference comes from how the probe’s aperture is shaped. A linear array has its elements in a straight, flat line, producing a flat, rectangular imaging footprint. A convex array places its elements along a curved arc, giving a bowed footprint and a fan-shaped (sector) field of view. So the correct statement is that convex arrays have a bowed shape, while linear arrays do not. The other options don’t fit because they either claim linear arrays are bowed, that both are identical, or that only near the tip are curved elements—none of which describe the actual geometric difference of the probe faces and resulting image fields.