X-Rays and Gamma Rays Flashcards
How do X-ray waves interact with less dense material like human tissue?
They pass through it (are transmitted by it)
How do X-ray waves interact with more dense material like bones?
They’re absorbed by them.
. so it’s the amount of radiation that’s absorbed/not absorbed that gives you an X-ray image
What are some harmful side effects of X-rays?
they cause gene mutations which can lead to cancer. They’re ionising radiation so can add or remove electrons producing electrically charged ions.
What are X-ray photos used to do?
To help identify broken bones.
How are X-rays and Gamma rays used in radiotherapy?
They’re used to treat people with cancer. High doses of these rays kill all living cells - they’re carefully directed towards cancer cells to avoid killing too many normal/healthy cells.
X-rays and gamma rays are…
Very high in energy and can penetrate materials easily.
How are gamma rays produced?
by changes in the nucleus of an atom - a form of nuclear radiation.
How do gamma rays interact with body tissue?
Transmitted with very little absorption.
What side effects do they have.
they cause gene mutations which can lead to cancer. They’re ionising radiation so can add or remove electrons producing electrically charged ions.
What are medical tracers used for?
They’re used to either treat a disease or to take an image.
How are gamma rays used in medical tracers?
A gamma-emitting source is injected into the patient and its progress is followed around the body + it’s well suited to this coz it can pass thru the body to be detected.
What else are gamma rays used for?
To clean medical equipment
As both X-rays and gamma rays are harmful to people, what do radiographers do?
Wear lead aprons and stand behind a lead screen or leave the room to keep their exposure to them to a minimum
