X-ray Quality, Intensity, and Electron Interactions

These flashcards cover the key concepts of x-ray quality, intensity, and electron interactions with matter as outlined in the lecture notes.

What does the term quality refer to in the context of x-ray beams?

The penetrating power of the x-ray beam, indicated by kVp, half value thickness, and filtration.

How is intensity defined for an x-ray beam?

The energy flowing through an area of 1m by 1m in one second, with units J/m²/s.

What is the effect of increasing the kVp on x-ray intensity?

Intensity increases in proportion to the kVp squared.

What is the relationship between tube current (mA) and x-ray intensity?

The intensity of the beam is directly proportional to the tube current.

How does tube filtration affect x-ray quality and intensity?

Filtration increases penetration (quality) but reduces intensity due to beam hardening.

What effect does the atomic number of the target material have on x-ray intensity?

Higher atomic numbers lead to higher intensity.

What does the inverse square law state regarding x-ray intensity?

The intensity of radiation from a point source varies inversely with the square of the distance from the source.

What happens to an electron as it collides with atoms in a target material?

It loses kinetic energy and can cause ionization or excitation of the atom.

Describe the process of ionization in materials as an electron interacts with them.

An incident electron can cause an atomic electron to be ejected, ionizing the atom and leaving it with a positive charge.

What is Bremsstrahlung radiation?

X-rays produced when an electron slows down while interacting with an atomic nucleus, resulting in energy loss emitted as x-rays.

What percentage of energy from electrons in an x-ray tube is converted to heat?

99% of the energy is converted to heat, while only 1% is converted to x-rays.

What types of deflections can electrons experience while traveling through target materials?

Electrons can undergo very small and very large angular deflections, leading to energy loss.