Ch 1-2 Key Terms

Question 1

Absorbed Dose

Answer 1

is a measure of the energy deposited within a given mass by ionizing radiation

Question 2

Air Kerma

Answer 2

Kinetic Energy Released per unit mass (of air)

Air Kerma is just the Absorbed Dose in air

Question 3

ALARA

Answer 3

“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”

time, distance and shielding

Question 4

Dose Equivalent

Answer 4

is an amount that takes the damaging properties of different types of radiation into account. (Not all radiation is alike.)

Question 5

Electromagnetic Radiation

Answer 5

refers to radiation that has both electrical and magnetic priorities

Question 6

X-ray Exposure

Answer 6

the point at which the electrons flow from cathode to anode in a current, producing x-rays and heat

Question 7

Fluorescence

Answer 7

the emission of visible light, by a substance during exposure to external radiation like x-rays

Question 8

Frequency

Answer 8

represents the number of waves passing a given point per given unit of time

Question 9

Photon

Answer 9

A photon is the quantum of electromagnetic radiation

Question 10

Quantum

Answer 10

is the smallest elemental unit of a quantity, or the smallest discrete amount of something. Thus, one quantum of electromagnetic energy is called a photon

Question 11

Radioactivity

Answer 11

is the act of emitting radiation spontaneously. This is done by an atomic nucleus that, for some reason, is unstable

Question 12

Wavelength

Answer 12

represents the distance between two successive crests or troughs

Question 13

Actual Focal Spot Point

Answer 13

is the physical area of the target that is bombarded by electrons during x-ray production / referring to the size of the area on the anode target that is exposed to electrons from the tube current

Question 14

Added Filtration

Answer 14

describes the filtration that is added to the port of the x-ray tube, aluminum is the material primarily used

Question 15

Anode

Answer 15

is a positively charged electrode that rotates and is the target for the flow of electrons

Question 16

Anode Heel Effect

Answer 16

occurs because of the angle of the anode’s target, this focuses the x-rays produced in an intended direction

Question 17

Bremsstrahlung (braking) Interaction

Answer 17

when a projectile electron travels very close to the nucleus of the target atoms, causing a sudden slowing and change of direction; this produces x-ray photon

Question 18

Cathode

Answer 18

is a negatively charged electrode comprised of a filament and a focusing cup

Question 19

Characteristic Interaction

Answer 19

when a projectile electron interacts with an electron from the inner shell (K-shell) of the atom. ejecting the electron and producing a x-ray photon

Question 20

Compensation Filter

Answer 20

can be added to the primary bean to alter its intensity. Used to image anatomic areas that are nonuniform in makeup

Question 21

Dosimeter

Answer 21

a device that measures x-ray exposure

Question 22

Effective Focal Spot Size

Answer 22

refers to