Radiation: Types and Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

What type of radiation is alpha rays classified as?

Electromagnetic radiation

Acoustic radiation

Particulate radiation (correct)

Thermal radiation

Which characteristic is true for X-rays?

They have mass and weight.

They travel slower than sound.

They can cause ionization in living cells. (correct)

They are visible to the human eye.

What is the primary function of the aluminum filter in the position indicator device (PID)?

To increase the intensity of the X-ray beam.

To produce X-rays within the tubehead.

To filter out non-penetrating longer-wavelength X-rays. (correct)

To protect against radiation leakage.

What type of radiation are gamma rays an example of?

Electromagnetic radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the penetration depth of beta rays compared to alpha rays?

Their smaller mass Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of cathode rays?

Radiation therapy Signup and view all the answers

What does the collimator in the PID do?

Limits the size of the x-ray beam. Signup and view all the answers

What creates a vacuum in the x-ray tube?

Removal of air Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the tungsten target in the anode?

It converts bombarding electrons into x-ray photons. Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation is primarily produced when electrons pass very close to the nucleus of a tungsten atom?

Bremsstrahlung radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of the tungsten wire used in the filament of the cathode?

2mm Signup and view all the answers

At what kilovolt peak (kVp) does characteristic radiation occur?

70 kVp Signup and view all the answers

What potentially harmful effect can occur if the extension arm is left in an extended position?

It can cause the tubehead to become loose and drift. Signup and view all the answers

How is an electron cloud formed in the cathode?

Through a process of thermionic emission. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about copper in the anode is correct?

It dissipates heat produced during x-ray production. Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic radiation primarily caused by?

High-speed electrons dislodging inner-shell electrons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radiation

Transmission of energy through space and matter
Either particulate or electromagnetic

Particulate Radiation

Composed of atomic nuclei or subatomic particles
High velocity
Examples: alpha rays, beta rays, cathode rays

Alpha Rays

Decay from radioactive elements
Give up energy quickly
Travel a few microns in body tissue

Beta Rays & Cathode Rays

High-energy electrons
Smaller and lighter than alpha particles
Depth of penetration: 1.5 cm in tissue
Used in radiation therapy
Cathode rays are man-made

Electromagnetic Radiation

Movement of energy through space
Electric and magnetic fields
Examples: Gamma rays, X-rays, UV rays, visible light, infrared rays, microwaves, radio waves

Characteristics of X-rays

Invisible and undetectable by human senses
No mass, weight, or charge
Travel at the speed of light
Travel in short-wavelength, high-frequency waves
Travel in a straight line and can be deflected or scattered
Absorbed by matter
Cause ionization and changes in living cells
Cause certain substances to fluoresce
Produce images on photographic film

X-ray Machine Components

Oil prevents overheating by absorbing the produced heat
Tubehead seal - made of leaded glass or aluminum containing the oil, filters the x-ray beam
Position indicator device (PID) - open-ended lead-lined cylinder, limits the x-ray beam size to a circular 2-inch opening
Collimator - located near the PID, limits the size of the x-ray beam to a circular 2-inch opening
Aluminum filter - located inside the PID, filters out non-penetrating, longer-wavelength x-rays
X-ray tube - heart of the x-ray generation system, made of glass, contains a vacuum that allows electron flow

X-ray Tube Components

Anode - positive electrode, made of tungsten target embedded in copper
- Tungsten target is the focal spot and converts bombarding electrons into x-ray photons
- Copper dissipates the heat generated
Cathode - negative electrode, made of tungsten filament mounted on a molybdenum cup
- Filament is the source of electrons and is made of tungsten wire
- Produces an electron cloud through thermionic emission

Extension Arm

Folds up and can swivel from side to side
Never leave extended when the machine is not in use
Can cause a cone cut (central ray off the film) if the tubehead is loose

Types of X-Rays Produced

Primary Radiation:
- Bremsstrahlung radiation: braking radiation, or General radiation
  - Produced when an electron hits the nucleus of a tungsten atom or passes close to the nucleus
  - Kinetic energy of the electron converted to x-ray energy
Characteristic radiation:
- Produced when a high-speed electron dislodges an inner-shell electron of the tungsten atom
- Accounts for a small percentage of x-rays
- Only occurs at 70 kVp and above because the binding energy of the K-shell electron is approximately 70 keV.

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Description

Explore the different types of radiation including particulate and electromagnetic forms. Learn about alpha rays, beta rays, and the characteristics of X-rays, along with their applications in fields like radiation therapy. This quiz covers essential concepts relevant to understanding energy transmission.