Physics of Radiation and X-ray Production

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to radiation physics, X-ray production, and safety practices in dental radiology.

Radiation

Types of energy sources that can produce rays capable of ionization and imaging.

Matter

Substance that consists of atoms, existing in different forms depending on energy applied.

Atom

The smallest particle of an element, comprised of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Molecule

Forms when two or more atoms bond together.

Isotope

Atoms that have the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons.

Ionization

The process of adding or removing electrons from atoms, creating charged particles.

X-rays

A form of electromagnetic radiation used for imaging, traveling at the speed of light.

Kinetic energy

The energy of motion that allows electrons to travel in a straight line.

Electromagnetic radiation

Radiation that travels in waves and includes X-rays and gamma rays.

Wavelength

The distance between successive peaks of a wave.

Frequency

The number of crests that occur in a specific amount of time.

Photoelectric effect

An interaction where X-rays cause electrons to be knocked out of their orbits.

Compton effect

An interaction where X-rays scatter after colliding with matter.

Latent image

An invisible image that becomes visible when exposed to processing.

ALARA principle

As Low As Reasonably Achievable, the principle for minimizing radiation exposure.

Filtration

The process of removing long wavelengths from X-ray beams to reduce patient exposure.

Collimation

The process of shaping the X-ray beam to minimize radiation to surrounding tissue.

Scatter radiation

Secondary radiation that is produced when X-rays impact and deflect off matter.

Radiation biology

The study of the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues.

Free radical

A highly reactive atom or molecule with unpaired electrons that can cause cellular damage.

Penetration

The ability of radiation to pass through various materials and tissues.

Dose equivalent

A measurement that reflects the biological effect of different types of radiation.

Sievert (Sv)

The SI unit used to measure dose equivalent to account for the type of radiation.

Gray (Gy)

The SI unit for measuring absorbed radiation dose.

REM

Radiation Equivalent Man, an older unit of measure for dose equivalent.

Radiation exposure limits

Regulatory limits set for occupational and public exposure to radiation.

Primary radiation

The useful beam of X-ray that directly exposes the image receptor.

Secondary radiation

Radiation that is produced when the primary beam interacts with matter.

Ion pair

A pair of charged particles created when an ionization event occurs.

Radiographic technique

The methods used to acquire and process X-ray images.

Radiation safety

Practices aimed at reducing exposure and protecting patients and operators from harmful levels of radiation.

Radiation measurement devices

Instruments used to quantify exposure to ionizing radiation.