Radiation Physics Overview

What is the purpose of the filament in an X-ray tube?

To direct the electrons from the cathode to the anode
To focus the X-ray beam
To produce electrons through thermionic emission (correct)
To dissipate heat from the target

What is the advantage of using Tungsten (W) as the filament material?

High atomic number and melting point (correct)
Low atomic number
Low melting point
Easily absorbs and dissipates heat

What effect does the cup around the filament have in an X-ray tube?

Reduces the number of electrons boiled off
Converges the electrons towards the anode (correct)
Helps in thermionic emission
Expands the electron beam

Why is a rotating anode preferred over a stationary anode in X-ray machines?

Shortens cooling time for the anode (C) Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a focusing cup have on electron beams in an X-ray tube?

Converges the electrons towards the anode (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the line focus principle help in X-ray generation?

Directs a larger surface area of electrons to the target (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation changes the number of electrons of an atom?

Ionizing radiation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation consists of small, fast-moving particles that have both energy and mass?

Alpha particles (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the units of measurement for current and voltage in x-ray production, respectively?

Current: milliAmperes, Voltage: kiloVoltage (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation is characterized by electromagnetic waves that do not carry enough energy?

Radio waves (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation is primarily produced by the disintegration of an unstable atom?

Alpha and Beta particles (D) Signup and view all the answers

In x-ray terminology, what is the unit for measuring voltage?

kiloVoltage (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the filament transformer in an X-ray tube?

To generate the low voltage current for heating the filament (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is primarily responsible for heat dissipation in an X-ray tube?

All of the above mechanisms contribute equally (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of increasing the tube voltage (kVp) in X-ray imaging?

To increase the energy of the electrons accelerated towards the anode (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of X-ray interaction with the target atom is responsible for the production of Bremsstrahlung radiation?

All of the above interactions contribute to Bremsstrahlung radiation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of X-ray imaging typically requires higher tube voltages (kVp) compared to intraoral or cephalometric imaging?

Cone Beam CT imaging (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of filtration in an X-ray machine?

To remove low energy photons that contribute to patient exposure (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between tube current (mA) and X-ray production?

Higher mA increases the number of X-rays produced (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does increasing the tube voltage (kVp) affect X-ray production?

It increases both the energy and number of photons generated (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of collimation in X-ray imaging?

It protects the patient from non-diagnostic radiation exposure (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the inverse square law, how does doubling the distance from an X-ray source affect the intensity of the beam?

The intensity is reduced to one-fourth of its original value (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interaction between X-rays and matter results in a change in the direction of the photon without any energy loss?

Coherent (Rayleigh) scattering (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary interaction responsible for decreasing image contrast in X-ray imaging?

Compton scattering (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of X-ray interactions that involve coherent (Rayleigh) scattering?

8% (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does increasing the exposure time affect X-ray production?

It increases the number of X-rays produced (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily determines the probability of Compton scattering occurring?

The electron density of the material (B) Signup and view all the answers