radiation physics Flashcards
(38 cards)
2 types of radiation
particulate and electromagnetic
radiation
transmission of energy through space and matter
radioactivity
process where unstable nucleus breaks down and emits energy
diagnostic imaging in dentistry uses
electromagnetic radiation
2 theories for EM radiation
quantum and wave
as energy increases, wavelength ___
decreases
as wavelength increases, frequency ___
decreases
types of ionizing radiation
UV, x-rays, gamma rays
types of non-ionizing radiation
radio, microwave, IR, and visible
ionizing radiation
removes an electron from an atom
function of oil in x-ray tube head
conducts heat away, preventing overheating
parts of the x-ray tube
cathode, anode, and evacuated glass tube
components of cathode
filament and focusing cup
function of filament
produces electrons
function of anode
convert KE into x-ray photons
why is tungsten used in the anode
- high atomic # (efficient production)
- high melting point (withstand heat)
- high thermal conductivity (dissipate heat)
- low vapour pressure (maintain vacuum)
3 things that help dissipate heat
- use tungsten (high thermal conductivity)
- tungsten is embedded in copper
- angle of target to central ray
2 reasons for the evacuated tube
- prevent oxidation of filament
- prevent collision of e with gas molecules that would reduce the speed
3 settings that can be changed by operator
- tube current (# of e)
- tube voltage (energy)
- timer (time)
2 possibilities for bremsstrahlung radiation
- e is deflected, x-ray = KE of e
- e strikes directly on nucleus, x-ray = all KE
when is the energy of the photon discrete
characteristic radiation
6 factors that affect primary beam
- exposure time
- tube voltage
- tube current
- filtration
- collimation
- distance
___% of KE to x-ray photon is converted into heat
99%
higher Z = ___ efficiency
higher