Interaction of x-rays with matter(effects of beam attenuation on image)

Question 1

how do we get contrast on an xray image

Answer 1

it occurs due to xray photon absorption

Question 2

describe what the different shades on an xray image represent

Answer 2

black- areas of radiolucence where xray photons have been transmitted

white areas are areas that are radiopaque and they demonstrate areas of xray photon absorption

grey areas demonstrate a mix of absorption and transmittion

Question 3

describe a high contrast xray image

Answer 3

these are very black and whit as there is a lower kv setting used so fewer xray photons are transmitteed

Question 4

describe a low contrast xray image

Answer 4

has much more grey areas and these occur when a much higher kv setting is used so there is less absorption and more transmission

there is also forward scatter