What is the term for the process employed in an ultrasonic unit that uses exploding bubbles to clean objects?

The term for the process employed in an ultrasonic unit that uses exploding bubbles to clean objects is cavitation. This phenomenon occurs when ultrasonic waves create rapid pressure changes in a liquid, leading to the formation of small vapor-filled cavities or bubbles. As these bubbles collapse, they generate intense localized pressure and temperature, effectively producing microscopic jets of liquid that can remove dirt, contaminants, and other materials from surfaces. This mechanism is particularly effective for cleaning delicate items such as jewelry, electronic components, and surgical instruments, as it can penetrate small crevices and complex shapes without causing physical damage.

Filtration is a different process that involves passing liquids or gases through a barrier to remove particulates or impurities, which does not involve bubble dynamics. Ionization refers to the process of converting atoms or molecules into ions by removing or adding electrons, often used in various chemical and physical applications but not specifically related to cleaning via ultrasonic methods. Evaporation is the transition of a substance from a liquid to a gas phase, which is unrelated to the cleaning processes utilized in ultrasonic units. Therefore, cavitation is the correct answer, as it specifically describes the cleaning mechanism unique to ultrasonic cleaning devices.