chapter 1 X-ray Production
Anode: A positively charged electrode.
Atom: A basic part of matter that consists of a nucleus and a surrounding cloud of electrons.
Atomic number: The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus.
Cathode: A negatively charged electrode.
Electromagnetic radiation: A method of transporting energy through space, distinguished by wavelength, frequency, and energy.
Electromagnetic spectrum: Electromagnetic radiation grouped according to wavelength and frequency.
Electron: A negatively charged particle that travels around the nucleus.
Excitation: A process in which an electron is moved to a higher energy level within the atom.
Fluorescence: The ability of a substance to emit visible light.
Frequency: The number of cycles of the wave that pass a stationary point in a second.
Gamma rays: Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of radioactive substances.
Infrared rays: Electromagnetic radiation, beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, characterized by long wavelengths.
Ionization: A process in which an outer electron is removed from the atom so that the atom is left positively charged.
Neutron: A neutral particle located in the nucleus of an atom.
Photons: A bundle of radiant energy (synonymous with quanta).
Proton: A positively charged particle located in the nucleus of an atom.
Quanta: A bundle of radiant energy (synonymous with photons).
Radiant energy: Energy contained in light rays or any other form of radiation.
Radiograph: A visible photographic record on film produced by x-rays passing through an object.
Shell: An electron’s orbital path and energy level.
Ultraviolet rays: Electromagnetic radiation, beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum, that is characterized by short wavelengths.
Vacuum: An area from which all air has been removed.
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive corresponding points on a wave.
X-rays: A form of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light but of a shorter wavelength.
X-ray beam: A number of x-rays traveling together through space at a rapid speed.
DEFINITION OF X-RAYS
We will first consider the wave. All radiant energy travels in a waveform along a straight path and is measured by its wavelength. In a series of waves the distance between two consecutive, corresponding points on a wave is called the wavelength (Fig. 1-1). Electromagnetic radiation that has a short wavelength has a high frequency. Electromagnetic radiation that has a long wavelength has a low frequency. Frequency is measured by the number of cycles of the wave that pass a stationary point per second (cycles per second). The higher the frequency, the more penetrating power the energy has through space and matter.
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