5 The X-ray other types of radiation Flashcards
What is the definition of radiation?
Propagation of energy through space and matter.
What are the three types of radiation?
- Particulate radiation
- Electromagnetic radiation
- Ionizing radiation
Define particulate radiation.
Particles of the atom (e.g. neutrons, protons, electrons, alpha/beta particles) that cannot reach the speed of light.
What is electromagnetic radiation?
Transport of energy through space without matter.
Give examples of electromagnetic radiation.
- Radio waves
- Television waves
- Microwaves
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
What are the three measurable properties of electromagnetic radiation?
- Wavelength
- Frequency
- Energy
How are wavelength and frequency related?
They are inversely related; the shorter the wavelength, the greater the energy.
What is ionizing radiation?
Particulate and electromagnetic radiation with sufficient energy to cause ionization.
What is the minimum energy required for ionization?
Greater than the electron binding energy.
What are X-rays?
A form of radiation that results when the energy of the electrons is converted to electromagnetic radiation.
What are photons?
Bundles of energy or quanta that travel in waves, having no mass or electrical charge.
How are X-rays produced?
When fast-moving electrons or particulate radiation collide with matter, typically in an x-ray tube.
What is the role of the cathode in an x-ray tube?
It is the terminal where current flows out and a cloud of electrons forms.
What is the role of the anode in an x-ray tube?
It is the terminal where current flows in from outside and interacts with electrons.
What is the typical energy loss when electrons interact in the x-ray tube?
1% x-irradiation and 99% heat.
What does kVp stand for?
Kilovolt peak or potential, measuring the energy of electrons.
What is required to produce an X-ray?
- A source of electrons
- A method of accelerating electrons
- A directed path
- A target
- An envelope to provide a vacuum
