RHS Green Book-Chapter 2

Main definitions and topics.

How is an atoms density identified?

It is determined by it’s nucleus and orbiting electrons

Define Nucleus

The core of an atom composed of protons and neutrons

Define Protons

Positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.

Define Electrons

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Define Neutrons:

Particles with no electrical charge

Mass number of an atoms equals…?

The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Whats the Maximum shells an atom can have?

7 (k-Q, with K being the strongest)

Define Electrostatic Force:

How electrons are maintained in their orbit

Binding Energy:

Its determined by the distance between the nucleus and electron shells

Define Molecule

Two or more atoms conjoined by chemical bonds.

Can atoms live in a neutral/unbalanced state?

Define Ion:

It is an atom that gains/looses an electron and becomes unbalanced

What is Ionization?

The production of ions

Define Ion Pair:

It’s when an electron is removed from an atom during ionization

Define Radiation:

It’s the emission of energy through space in the form of waves or particles.

Define Radioactivity:

It’s the process where certain unstable atoms/elements decay to become more balanced.

What is Ionizing radiation?

Radiation capable of producing ions by adding/removing an electron to an atom

What are the two groups of Ionizing Radiation?

Particulate Radiation & Electromagnetic Radiation

Define Particulate Radiation:

Tiny particles of matter that have mass & travel in straight lines at high speeds

What does Particulate Radiation transmit?

Kinetic Energy (due to their speed)

What are the 4 types of Particulate Radiation?

Beta Particles & Cathode Rays, Alpha Particles, Protons, & Neutrons

Define Beta Particles:

They are fast and emitted from the nucleus of radioactive atoms

Define Cathode Rays:

Fast and originate in the x-ray tube

Define Alpha Particles:

They are emitted from the nuclei of heavy metals.

They exist as two protons and neutrons with no electrons.

Can Electromagnetic Radiation be Ionizing?

Depending on energy levels

What are the two ways Electromagnetic Radiation travel?

Particle & Wave

Define X-Rays:

Weightless bundles of energy (photons) without an electrical charge, moving at the speed of light.

What happens when Photons interact with materials?

They penetrate and cause ionization.

Define General (braking) Radiation:

When an electron hits the nucleus of a tungsten atom

Define, Characteristic Radiation:

A high-speed electron dislodges electrons from a tungsten atom and causes ionization. 

Define: Primary Radiation

The X-Ray beam that is produced at the target of the anode and that exists the tube head.

Define: Secondary Radiation

Radiation that’s created when the primary beam interacts with matter.

(Becomes less penetrating)

Define: Scatter Radiation

-It’s a form of secondary radiation

An x-ray selected from it’s path going in all directions

-Detrimental to patient & radiographer

Define: Radiation Absorption

The total transfer of energy from the x-ray photon to the atoms

Define Radiations: Photoelectric Effect

A photon collides with an electron and ejects it from it’s orbit, ceasing to exists.

Define Radiations: Compton Scatter 

A weaker photon interacts with other atoms until all it’s energy is gone

(negatively charged)

Define Radiations: Coherent Scatter

A photon is “unmodified” and simply undergoes a change in direction but not energy.