Kilovoltage (kV) Flashcards
Kilovoltage
Force that accelerates the electrons from cathode to anode
The energy or _________ of the x-ray beam is determined by the kV selected
quality
ex)
- higher the kV, stronger impact, stronger energy
- lower the kV, lower the impact, less energy
X-rays travel through matter in wave-like fashion. _________ is the distance from one crest of the wave to the crest of the next wave.
Wavelength
An _______ in kV will produce x-rays of shorter wavelength. (& vice versa)
increase
An ____________ in kV produces more x-ray photons having _______ energy levels. (&vice versa)
- increase
- higher
Penetrometer (stepedge)
an instrument for measuring the penetrating power of radiation (as X-rays) by comparing transmission through different absorbers
As kV ___________, so will its penetrating ability, which increases the amount of radiation reaching the image receptor. This will produce more density in the image.
increases
Fifteen Percent Rule
an increase in kV by 15% will result in doubling the amount of overall blackening or density on the image
A ___________ in kV by 15% will reduce the overall density of the image by one-half
decrease
The 15% rule is a _______ and _________ relationship. However, it serves the technologist well as a practical tool when changes in kV are necessary in order to control the amount of exposure to the image.
- nonlinear
- nonproportional
A significant _________ in kV may result in x-ray energy inadequate to penetrate the body part of interest. The selected kV ______ be adequate to penetrate the part.
- reduction
- must
- If kV is too ____ patient will absorb the radiation
- If kV is too ____ it can produce more scatter or secondary radiation
- low
- high
Penetration of the Part
means the x-ray photons have sufficient energy to pass through the part and emerge as remnant radiation
Selection below _______ may not be adequate for part penetration
60 kV
kV is ______ the primary choice for controlling density on the image
NOT
