Introduction to the Imaging Sciences

Flashcards covering the history, physics, units of measure, and safety principles of imaging sciences based on lecture notes.

On what date did Dr. Roentgen discover x-rays?

November 8, 1895

What material was painted on the cardboard that fluoresced during Dr. Roentgen's cathode ray tube experiments?

Barium platinocyanide

When did Dr. Roentgen produce the first radiograph?

December 22, 1895

Who was Thomas Edison's assistant that died from severe radiation burns?

Clarence Dally

What are the three fundamental quantities in the British and System International (SI) systems?

Mass, length, and time

What is the formula for velocity ($v$)?

$$v = \frac{d}{t}$$

What is the constant velocity of x-rays?

$$3 \times 10^8\,m/s$$

Which of Newton's laws of motion describes the property of an object with mass to resist a change in its state of motion?

Newton's first law of motion (Inertia)

What is the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy?

Potential energy is energy in a stored state, while kinetic energy is energy being expended.

Which SI unit is used to quantify radiation intensity in air?

Coulomb/kilogram ($C/kg$)

What is the SI unit for absorbed dose, representing radiation energy absorbed by tissues?

Gray ($Gy$)

What SI unit is used to quantify occupational exposure or dose equivalent?

Sievert ($Sv$)

What does the acronym Kerma stand for?

Kinetic energy released per unit mass

Which components make up the tube head assembly of permanently installed radiographic equipment?

The x-ray tube, collimator, and tube stand

In the x-ray tube, which side is positive and which is negative?

The anode is positive and the cathode is negative

What is the purpose of the oil within the tube head assembly?

To dissipate heat

What are the three Cardinal Principles for reducing radiation exposure?

Time, Distance, and Shielding

What does the ALARA principle stand for?

As low as reasonably achievable

In terms of x-ray beam characteristics, what is defined as a discrete bundle of energy traveling at the speed of light?

A photon

Which exposure factor acts as the primary controller for the quality (penetrability) of the x-ray beam?

Kilovoltage peak (kVp)

Which exposure factor affects only the quantity (number of photons) of the x-ray beam and has no effect on quality?

Milliamperage and time (mAs)