Radiology Flashcards
Milliampere (mA)
AMOUNT or number of electrons
Measures the AMOUNT of current passing through the wires of the circuit
The AMOUNT of x-rays produced
Kilovolt peak (kVp)
The power or speed of electrons
Determines the PENETRATING ability
What is the yoke?
Connects extension arm and tube head
Can revolve 360 degrees
High kVp vs low kVp
High kVp= long scale contrast(many shade of black and white)
Low kVp=short scale contrast (few shades of black and white)
Direct current
Electricity continuously flows in one direction
*Good for DIGITAL radiography
Alternating current
Changes direction of flow 60x/second
What do most dental xray units operate on
110-120 V alternating current
7mA-15mA
65kVp-100kVp
Voltage
The electrical pressure between two electrical charges
Step-down transformer
Decreases voltage
Heats filament and produces electron cloud
Step-up transformer
Increases voltage
What percent of energy is converted to x-rays and what percent is lost in heat
1% converts to X-ray
99% loss is heat
Ionizing radiation
Any radiation that produces ions
Electromagnetic radiation
Movement of wave-like energy through space as a combination of electric and magnetic field
How are wavelength and frequency related
Inversely
Long wavelength= low frequency
Short wavelength=high frequency
Velocity
The speed of the wave
Compton effect
Causes x-rays to scatter in all directions
Called Secondary radiation
Coherent scattering is also known as
Thompson scattering
What is the occupational exposure limit in one year
50 mSv (5rem)
What is the occupational lifetime exposure limit
10mSv x age
Pregnant Dental personnel occupational exposure limit is
0.5 mSv/month