Chapter 29 Flashcards
Anode
The positive electrode in the X-ray tube/glass envelope.
ALARA concept
A radiation protecting concept that states all exposures should be kept “ as low as reasonably achievable”
Atom
The basic unit of matter
Cathode
The negative electrode in the X-ray tube/glass envelope
Contrast
Differences in densities on adjacent areas of a radiograph
Density
The overall blackness on a radiograph
Electromagnetic radiation
The production of. Wavelike energy through space and matter
Frequency
The number of wavelengths passing through a fixed point per given period of time
Ion
An electrically charged particle.
Ionization
The process through which electrons are lost from the shell of an atom
Ionizing radiation
Radiation that is capable of producing ions by adding or removing electrons from the shell of an atom
Leakage radiation
Radiation that escapes or leaks out of the tube head
Molliampere(mA)
A unit of measurement used to determine the amount of electrical current;1 mA is equal to 1/1000 of an ampere
Photon
Small bundle of pure energy that has no mass or weight
Primary radiation
Initial radiation produced at the tungsten target that exits the tube head
Radiograph
A recorded image on photographic film
Radiolucent areas
Dark portions of a radiograph that represents soft tissues (for example, dental pulp) that allow X-rays to pass through; space and air are also radiolicient
Radiopaque areas
Light or white portions of a radiograph that represent areas of dense tissue that absorbs X-rays, not allowing them to pass through; examples include enamel, Denton,bone, and various metal reatorations
Scatter radiation
A form of secondary radiation that occurs once the primary beam has interacted with matter and then is deflected off in a different direction.
Secondary radiation
Occurs when the primary beam comes in contact with and passes through any type of matter
Tungsten target
Portion of the anode struck by electrons ( focal spot )
Wavelength
Distance between the crests or high point of the radiation waves
X radiation(X-ray )
High energy ionizing electromagnetic radiation