Radiography and X-Ray Physics Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental x-ray physics, tube construction, historical milestones, and radiation properties.

Focusing cup

The device made of molybdenum or nickel that surrounds the filament and smooshes the electron beam into a narrow stream as it moves from the cathode to the anode.

Marie and Pierre Curie

The scientists who coined the term radioactivity.

Fluoroscope

An imaging device invented by Thomas Edison in 1896 used to look at organs in motion (dynamic imaging).

Sieverts / Rem

The radiation units used to express occupational exposure.

Radon

The source responsible for the highest natural or background radiation exposure.

Barium plantinocyanide

The fluorescent material Wilhelm Roentgen was working with in his laboratory that fluoresced when the x-ray tube was energized.

Properties of x-rays

Characteristics including traveling in straight lines, being highly penetrating and invisible, possessing polyenergetic or heterogenic wavelengths, directly ionizing gases by removing electrons, and producing scatter and secondary radiation.

Cathode

The negatively charged electrode in the x-ray tube that houses two filament wires.

Static image

A non-real-time radiographic image produced with an overhead x-ray tube.

Metal tube housing

The outer casing surrounding the x-ray tube that prevents excessive radiation exposure, dissipates heat, and reduces leakage radiation.

Cosmic radiation

The type of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that has the shortest wavelength.

Space charge

The cloud of electrons surrounding the filament prior to exposure.

Envelope

The enclosure of the x-ray tube made of Pyrex or metal.

Thermionic emission

The process of boiling off electrons from a heated filament, which is controlled by mA.

Four steps of x-ray production

1) Removal of electrons, 2) production of high speed electrons, 3) focusing of electrons, and 4) deceleration of electrons (sudden stoppage).

Crookes tube

The type of cold cathode gas tube Wilhelm Roentgen was using when he discovered x-rays.

Photon

A tiny bundle of energy with no mass and no charge that represents the smallest quantity element making up EMR and travels at the speed of light.

Wilhelm Roentgen

The physicist who discovered x-rays on November 8th, 1895.

Bequerels / Curies

The measurement units used to express radioactivity.

Coolidge tube

A hot cathode vacuum x-ray tube introduced in 1913.

Tungsten (W)

The metal used to manufacture the x-ray tube filament wire.

Anode

The positively charged component of the x-ray tube that rotates during exposure.

Focal track

The specific area located on the rotating anode made of tungsten and rhenium where electrons strike and x-rays are produced.

Kilovoltage

The electrical potential difference responsible for accelerating electrons to high speeds across the x-ray tube from cathode to anode.

Alpha and beta

Two forms of particulate radiation discussed in class.

Medical imaging

The largest contributor to manmade or artificial radiation exposure.

Michael Pupin

The inventor who developed intensifying screens in 1896.