Introduction Flashcards
Define Energy
-The ability to do work
What are examples of electromagnetic energy (EME)?
- X-rays
- radiowaves
- microwaves
- UV rays
- Infrared rays
- Visible light
How do you create EME?
-converting electrical energy to X-ray photons via the imaging system
What is radiation?
-the energy in transit
What is it when matter intercepts and absorbs radiation said to be?
-irradiated/exposed
What is radiation when an electron is removed from its orbital? What forms of EME are capable of this matter?
- ionization
- X-Rays, Gamma rays, UV light
What is the relationship between EME and wavelength?
- EME is inversely proportional to wavelength
- EX: short wavelength/high frequency = greater energy
What are the 2 sources of ionizing radiation?
- Cosmic
- Man-made
What are cosmic rays (give example)?
What is terrestrial radiation produced by?
- particulate radiation (Sun and Stars)
- uranium, thorium, and other nuclides
What is the largest source of natural energy? What materials contain it?
- Radon Gas
- all earth-based materials (concrete and brick)
What is the largest source of man-made energy?
-Medical imaging
Who was the first man to recognize the significance of radiation and x-rays?
-Wilhelm Roentgen
What are the properties of X-rays?
- No charge
- Invisibility
- Penetrability of most matters dependent on Z
- Ionization and biological effect
- Making compounds fluoresce and emit light
- travel at the speed of light
How are X-rays produced?
-When electrons from cathode slam into the anode
What is part of the imaging system?
- X-ray tube
- Operating console
- High-voltage generator
How are X-rays emitted in an X-ray tube?
-isotropically (in all directions)
What is a cathode? What is it composed of?
- negative charged end of the X-ray tube
- heat resistant filament made of thoriated tungsten
Explain thermionic emission
-When filament temperature is high enough for the electrons to ejected from the filament
Explain space-charge effect
-When an electron cloud repels any additional electrons from being emitted from the filament
What is Dual-Focus?
-2 focal spots on the anode corresponding to large and small filaments of the cathode
What is needed when imaging a large body part?
-More than 400mA (large filament and large focal spot)
What is an anode and its 3 functions?
- Positive charged end of X-ray tube
1) target of x-ray photons
2) rotates and dissipates heat
3) electrical conductor
What is the Line-Focus principle?
-By angling the focal spot target (5-15 degrees), allows for a larger area of heat dissipation while maintaining a small focal spot
What is the anode-heel effect?
-the anode side must always face the thinner body part