XRay Physics Flashcards
When fast moving electrons collide with matter in any form, what is produced?
X-Rays
In an x-ray tube, this is done by directing a stream of electrons at a high speed against a ….
metal target
As they interact with the atoms of the target, the electrons give up most of their energy in the form of…
Heat
However, about 1% of their energy is emitted as….
X-Radiation
The x-ray tube is inside a heavily lead-lined protective housing & is located…
Within a glass envelope (Pyrex) inside the tube housing
The tube consists of 2 electrode called the…
Cathode & Anode
Which electrode consists of a large filament, a small filament, and a focusing cup.
Cathode
The filaments serve as the source of _____ in the production of x-rays, and are made of _____.
Electrons
Tungsten
What occurs when a current is applied to the filament?
Thermionic Emission
The coil of the wire becomes very hot, boiling off electrons
What controls the quantity of electrons (mA) emitted from it?
Temperature of the filament
What determines the number of x-rays created?
Number of electrons
This is part of the cathode and encases the two filaments. Place where thermionic emission occurs.
Focusing Cup / Filament Cup
The Positive Electrode in the x-ray tube
Anode
Most x-ray tubes consist of a _____ anode.
Rotating
Rotating target receives electrons as they move from cathode to anode.
What is the reason for the rotating target?
Dissipate the heat generated
Rotating Anode exposes an area of the tungsten target of the anode, which is called the _____.
Focal Spot
The focal spot will be determined by the …
Size of Filament chosen
Smaller filament = ?
Better detail
The Line Focus Priniciple has the effect of making the actual focal spot size appear _____ when viewed from the position on the film.
Smaller
The smaller the target angle = ?
The smaller the effective spot
Stream of electrons narrows down to an….
effective beam
What heats the filament causing a boiling off of electrons?
Milliamperage (mA)
Milliamperage Per Second (mAs)
More Current = ?
More Current = More electrons produced = more x-rays produced = greater radiograph density (darker)
The overall blackening on a film?
Density
Density term used to describe structures that produce more blackening on the film
Radiolucent
Density term used to describe structures that produce less blackening on the film (whiter on x-ray)
Radio-opaque
T/F: The relationship between mAs and density are directly proportional
True
What is the primary method to control the blackening on the film?
Changing the mAs
mAs increases = ?
More film exposure
What is the minimum change of mAs that it takes to see a minimum change in density on the film?
30%
If the mAs is doubled, the density is ….
Doubled
If the mAs is halved, the density is…
Halved
The force applied to accelerate the electrons from the cathode to the anode at the time of exposure is…
Kilovoltage (kVp)
T/F: The greater the force of the kVp, the greater the numbers of high energy x-ray photons will be produced.
True
T/F: Wavelength and frequency are inversely related
True
T/F:
Low kVp = low energy = weak penetration
High kVp = high energy = strong penetration
True
Higher kVp produces (longer or shorter) wavelengths with a greater ability to penetrate the body tissue
Shorter
The difference in density between two structures.
Contrast
Contrast makes detail….
visible
T/F: kVp controls contrast but they are inversely related
True
Low kVp = ____ Contrast = Short Scale
High
Low kVp film will have _____ differences in dark and light areas. (ex: Black & White film; bone = Underexposed)
Sharp
Low kVp produces ____ scatter, however, the amount of radiation absorbed by the patient is ____
Less Scatter
Increased Radiation
High kVp = ____ Contrast = Long Scale
Low
T/F: High kVp film shows very little differences between densities. (ex: more shades of grey; soft tissue)
True
High kVp produces ____ scatter, however, the amount of radiation absorbed by the patient is ____
More Scatter
Less Radiation
To lower your contrast - longer scale of contrast - more shades of grey - you must:
Increase kVp by 15% & Decrease mAs by 50%
Double Density
To raise your contrast - shorter scale of contrast - fewer shades of grey - more black & white - you must:
Decrease kVp by 15% & Increase mAs by 100%
Half Density
What is the prime method to control density?
mAs
T/F: The relationship between kVp and density is NOT proportional.
True
Explain the 15% rule?
An increase in kVp by 15% will double overall density of the film, whereas, a decrease by 15% will cut the density in half.