Medical Physics

Question 0

CAT Scan

Answer 0

Computerised axial tomography

A process using X-rays in 3D and computers in order to produce an image of a slice through the body

Question 1

Compton Effect

Answer 1

The effect whereby X-rays deflected off particles have a longer wavelength than their initial wavelength

Question 2

X-rays

Answer 2

A form of electromagnetic wave with wavelengths between 10^-12 and 10^-7m. Used in X-Ray photography

Question 3

Ultrasound

Answer 3

Sound waves above the audible range of human hearing (ie greater than 20000 Hz)

Question 4

Tracer

Answer 4

A radioactive nuclear either ingested by, or injected into, a patient that emits gamma photons to be detected by a gamma camera

Question 5

PET scan

Answer 5

Positron emission tomography
The use of gamma photons produced when positrons annihilate with electrons inside the body to map out active areas within the body

Question 6

MRI scan

Answer 6

Magnetic resonance imaging
The use of powerful magnetic fields and the spin of hydrogen atoms within the body to produce a detailed image of the internal organs

Question 7

Gamma Camera

Answer 7

A detector of gamma photons emitted from a patient given a radioactive tracer. This is used to produce a realtime image of the path of the tracer through the body

Question 8

Pair production

Answer 8

The process of creating a particle-antiparticle pair from a high-energy photon. For example X-ray–> electron & positron

Question 9

Photoelectric effect

Answer 9

The emission of electrons from the surface of material when electromagnetic radiation is incident on the surface