MI 120 Introduction to Radiation Protection

Chapter 1

What is Radiation?

the transfer of energy from one location to another

What is the Energetic form of radiation called?

X-ray

What were x-ray’s found to produce when passing through normal matter?

(+) ans (-) electrically charged particles

What are altered atoms or molecules called that make up electrically charged particles?

Ions

What are X-rays classfiied as?

Ionizing radiation

What are the fundamental properties of X-rays?

• Classified as ionizing radiation

• Invisible

• Can have varying degrees of penetration in normal tissue depending on energy

• Travel in straight lines at the speed of light until they interact with atoms

• Have a wide range of energies within the xray beam; typically heterogenous, not monoenergetic

What may cause injury in normal biologic tissues?

Production of ions during ionizing radiation and the ejected electrons

What is it called when living tissue can be damaged by exposure to ionizing radiation?

Biological effects