Radiation Physics Quiz

The measurement of the electrical pressure or potential difference between two electrical charges in an x-ray machine. It determines the speed of electrons traveling from the cathode to the anode, and influences the penetrating power of the x-ray beam.

A type of radiation that is emitted when electrons bombard the anode of an x-ray tube. These photons have a high penetrating power and are used in dental radiography for imaging.

The negative electrode of an x-ray tube, made of a tungsten filament and molybdenum cup. It's responsible for releasing a stream of electrons towards the anode when heated.

The positive electrode of an x-ray tube made of a copper arm and a focal spot. The focal spot, made of tungsten, converts bombarded electrons into x-ray photons.

The overall darkness or blackness of a radiographic image. It's influenced by factors like kVp and exposure time.

The sharpness of the contrast between dark and light areas on a radiographic image. It's influenced by factors like kVp and the type of film used.

The ability of x-rays to penetrate through matter. Higher energy x-rays have a higher penetrating power.

The point on the anode where electrons impact and convert into x-ray photons. The size of the focal spot affects the sharpness of the radiographic image.

Intensifying screens reduce the amount of radiation needed for a proper exposure, thereby minimizing patient radiation exposure.

The dental professional must avoid the primary X-ray beam during exposure.

The maximum dose of radiation a person can receive over a specific period without harm. The occupational MPD is higher than for the general public.

A principle that states radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.

The ability of the X-ray film to accurately reproduce the fine details of an object.

An image that appears larger than the actual size of the object being represented.

A distortion in the true size and shape of the object being radiographed.

To minimize distortion, the object and film must be parallel to each other during exposure.

A method of radiation protection that absorbs long-wave radiation, allowing more penetrating x-rays to pass through.

The minimum aluminum filtration requirement for dental x-ray machines operating at or below 70 kVp.

The minimum aluminum filtration requirement for dental x-ray machines operating above 70 kVp.

A radiation protection technique that reduces the surface area exposed by using a lead washer to restrict the x-ray beam.

The maximum allowable size of the x-ray beam at the patient's face.

The device that directs the x-ray beam towards the patient, reducing tissue irradiation when a longer cone is used.

A radiation protection device worn during x-ray exposure to protect the thyroid gland.

A radiation protection garment worn during x-ray exposure to protect reproductive and blood-forming tissues, absorbing approximately 90% of scatter radiation.

A type of dental restoration that is completely radiopaque on x-rays, indicating it's made of a dense material. It's typically used for fillings and can be seen in various shapes like amalgam overhangs or fragments.

Dental restorations made from gold, appearing completely radiopaque on x-rays. They can be crowns, bridges, or gold foil fillings. These restorations are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion.

Restorations made from stainless steel or chrome, appearing radiopaque on x-rays, but less dense than amalgam. They might show 'see-through' areas on x-rays, indicating their thinner nature.

Dental restorations made from composite materials, exhibiting varying degrees of radiolucency and radiopacity on x-rays, depending on their composition. They are often used for fillings and can appear lighter or darker on the x-ray.

A restoration that involves a post inserted into the root canal of an endodontically treated tooth and a core built to resemble the prepared tooth portion. Both the post and core are visible on x-rays.

The film is completely black, indicating that it was exposed to light before processing.

The film is completely clear, indicating that it was not exposed to x-radiation.

The film is light, indicating inadequate or depleted developer, developer too cool, or insufficient developing time.

The film is dark, indicating excessive developing time, developer too hot, or concentrated developer.

Dark spots on the film are caused by developer splashing onto the film before processing.

Light spots on the film are caused by fixer splashing onto the film before processing.

Yellow or brown stains on the film indicate exhausted chemicals, insufficient rinsing, or incomplete fixation.

White spots on the film are caused by air being trapped on the film surface after being placed into processing solutions.

Thin, black lines on the film are caused by static electricity, which occurs when a packet is opened quickly.

A pattern on the film resembling a herringbone or tire track indicates the film was placed backwards in the mouth.

A horizontal radiolucent band seen on a panoramic radiograph, representing the space between the palate and the tongue.

A diagonal radiolucency on a panoramic image, representing the space behind the nasal cavity.

A vertical radiolucent band on a panoramic image, representing the space behind the tongue in the pharynx.

An imaginary horizontal plane passing through the floor of the orbit and the external auditory meatus. Used to orient the patient's head during panoramic imaging.

An imaginary vertical plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves. Used to center the patient's head during panoramic imaging.

A curved three-dimensional zone within the panoramic machine, where images are captured clearly.

Occurs when the patient's chin is tilted upwards during the panoramic exposure, resulting in blurry and magnified maxillary incisors, and a stretched smile line.

Occurs when the patient's chin is tilted downwards during the panoramic exposure, resulting in blurry mandibular incisors, an exaggerated smile line, and potential visibility issues with the condyles.

Happens when the teeth are positioned too far forward within the focal trough, making them appear thin and out of focus.

Happens when the teeth are positioned too far back within the focal trough, making them appear thick and out of focus.