Radiation Characteristics

Question 1

kVp

Answer 1

Determines the quality of the x-ray beam (penetrating power). Regulates the speed of electrons traveling from cathode to anode.
Higher kVp = faster electrons & short wavelengths

Question 2

Density

Answer 2

Overall darkness of an image

Higher kVp = darker image (increase density)

Question 3

Contrast

Answer 3

How sharply dark and light areas are separated on an image

Low kVp 65-70 = high contrast image or short scale of contrast (many black and white areas)

High kVp >90 = low contrast image or long scale of contrast (many shades of gray)

Question 4

Milliamperage (mA)

Answer 4

The unit of quantity of electric current

Increased amperage = increase in electrons resulting in more x-rays

Question 5

Density and mA

Answer 5

Increase in mA = increased density and darker image

Question 6

mA and exposure time

Answer 6

Both have direct influence on # of electrons produced.

Combined they form milliampere-seconds (mAs)

Question 7

Inverse square law

Answer 7

The intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of radiation; intensity is the product of the quality and quantity

Question 8

Half value layer

Answer 8

Determines penetrating quality of the beam

Question 9

Aluminum filters

Answer 9

Reduces intensity of x-ray beam. Found in the X-ray tube head