Chapter 13 Review Questions

Question 1

Define attenuation?

Answer 1

Is the reduction in the number of x-ray photons in the beam, and the subsequent loss of energy, as the beam passes through matter.

Question 2

Describe the photoelectric absorption interaction?

Answer 2

Results when an x-ray photon interacts with an inner shell electron.

Question 3

Describe the coherent scatter interaction?

Answer 3

Is an interaction that occurs between very-low-energy x-ray photons and matter. Also called: classical scatter, unmodified scatter.

Question 4

Describe the Compton scatter interaction?

Answer 4

Occurs when an incident x-ray photon interacts with a loosely bound outer shell electron, removes the electron from its shell, and then proceeds in a different direction as a scattered photon.

Question 5

What is backscatter?

Answer 5

When a scattered photon is deflected back toward the source, it is traveling in the direction opposite to the incident photon.

Question 6

What are the two interactions that have a significant impact on the radiographic image?

Answer 6

Photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering

Question 7

What type of radiographic contrast will result if the prevalent interaction is photoelectric absorption?

Answer 7

The resulting radiograph will possess high-contrast. (Lots of shades of gray)

Question 8

What type of radiographic contrast will result if the prevalent interaction is Compton scatter?

Answer 8

The resulting radiograph will possess lower-contrast. (fewer shades of gray)

Question 9

How do changes in technical factor selections impact x-ray interactions?

Answer 9

As kVp increases the number of photons transmitted without interaction increases. And a decreased chance of photoelectric (PE) absorption and Compton interaction.