Ch 2: Radiation Physics

An ion pair results when

• a neutron is removed from an atom.

• two atoms share a pair of electrons.

• a proton is removed from an atom.

• an electron is removed from an atom.

The spontaneous emission of radiation from the disintegration of unstable atomic nuclei is

• beta particle decay.

• radiation.

• radioactivity.

• alpha particle decay.

Which of the following statements is true of ionizing radiation?

• It is radiation that is capable of producing ions by removing or adding an electron to an atom.

• It is strictly an electromagnetic radiation and does not involve particles that have mass.

• It is strictly particulate radiation and cannot travel as waves.

• It can only travel at the speed of light.

Cathode rays are derived from which of the following types of particulate radiation?

• Alpha particles

• Electrons

• Protons

• Neutrons

Electromagnetic radiation

• is entirely human-made.

• includes x-rays and visible light.

• is a form of particulate radiation.

• has mass.

Which of the following forms of electromagnetic radiation are capable of ionization?

• Radio waves

• Visible light

• Ultraviolet light

• X-rays

Photons are

• bundles of energy with mass and weight.

• bundles of energy that travel at the speed of sound.

• a component of the particle concept of electromagnetic radiation. 

• a component of the wave concept of electromagnetic radiation.

Which of the following forms of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelength?

• Radio wave

• Television wave

• Radar wave

• Dental x-ray wave

Heat is a byproduct of x-ray production. Which component of the x-ray tubehead dissipates the heat created by the production of x-rays?

• Lead collimator

• Metal housing

• Aluminum discs

• Insulating oil

Your patient had x-rays taken in her previous dental office. She notices that the long metal tube at the end of the x-ray head is longer than it was at the other office. What explanation would you give for the purpose of the tube, or cone, attached to the x-ray head?

• It surrounds the x-ray tube, protects the x-ray tube, and grounds the high-voltage components.

• It seals the oil in the tubehead and acts as a filter to the x-ray beam.

• It filters out the nonpenetrating, longer-wavelength x-rays.

• It aims and shapes the x-ray beam.