Radiation In Medecine

Question 1

What are the disadvantages of CAT (CT) Scans?

Answer 1

1) Expensive equipment

2) Relatively high radiation dose

Question 2

What are the advantages of an ultrasound scanner?

Answer 2

1) Very low risk

2) Allows a real time image to be viewed

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of an ultrasound scanner?

Answer 3

None - hence why it is widely used in prenatal monitoring

Question 4

What are the advantages of an endoscopy?

Answer 4

1) Provides direct, real time view of internal body tissue

2) Allows key hole surgery, without the need for major surgery

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of an endoscopy?

Answer 5

1) Cannot see through tissue

Question 6

What is the intensity of radiation?

Answer 6

The amount of energy arriving per second over an area of 1m^2.

Question 7

When distance increases, what happens to the intensity of radiation?

Answer 7

The intensity decreases because the radiation is spread over an increasing area.

Question 8

What is the formula (with units) for calculating intensity?

Answer 8

Intensity (W/m^2) = Power (W) / Area (m^2)
OR
I = P/A

Question 9

What are the advantages of a CAT (CT) Scan?

Answer 9

1) Detailed images

2) 3D images can be built up on a computer from sectional scans