Radiation Physics week 1 radiation theory

These flashcards cover essential concepts and terms related to radiation physics and dental radiography, aiding the student in their review and exam preparation.

What is the importance of safety in dental radiography?

Safety in dental radiography is crucial to protect patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure, aligning with CDHO Best Practices.

Define absorption in the context of radiation physics.

Absorption is the process where x-ray photons are fully absorbed by matter, transferring their energy to the atoms of that matter.

What is the primary beam in dental radiography?

The primary beam is the useful x-ray beam that exits the x-ray tube and is directed towards the patient.

How do you distinguish between mA and kVp?

mA (milliamperage) refers to the quantity of x-rays produced, while kVp (kilovoltage peak) relates to the quality and penetrating power of the x-rays.

What are the two main components of an atom?

An atom consists of a central nucleus and orbiting electrons.

Explain ionization in relation to atoms.

Ionization is the process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, resulting in a charged ion.

What is the difference between radiation and radioactivity?

Radiation refers to the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles; radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.

What are the key characteristics of electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation has properties including wavelength, frequency, energy, and speed; it can travel in a vacuum and exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior.

What is x-radiation?

X-radiation is a high-energy, ionizing form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate matter and is used in dental radiography.

What is the role of the cathode in an x-ray tube?

The cathode is the negative terminal that produces electrons when heated, which are then accelerated towards the anode to create x-rays.

What does mA stand for and what does it determine?

mA stands for milliamperage, which determines the quantity of x-rays produced and affects the density of the resulting radiograph.

What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect occurs when an x-ray photon collides with an inner-shell electron, ejecting it from the atom and resulting in ionization.

What is Compton scatter?

Compton scatter is when an x-ray photon collides with an outer-shell electron, resulting in the ejection of that electron and ionization.

Describe binding energy in an atom.

Binding energy refers to the electrostatic force that holds electrons in their orbits around the nucleus, being strongest at the nucleus and weaker for outer-shell electrons.

What are transformers used for in an x-ray machine?

Transformers are devices that adjust voltage levels within the x-ray machine to produce x-rays.

What is the maximum number of electrons that can exist in each shell of an atom?

Each shell can hold a maximum of 2, 8, 18, and up to 32 electrons, depending on its energy level.