X-ray Attenuation Mechanisms Quiz

Which of the following mechanisms involves x-rays scattering off electrons without ionizing the atom?

• Photoelectric Effect

• Simple Scattering

• Pair Production

• Compton Scattering

In simple scattering, what happens to the energy state of the electron?

• It becomes zero

• It remains mostly unchanged

• It decreases significantly

• It increases significantly

What is the primary result of Compton scattering?

• The x-ray is absorbed completely

• The x-ray passes through without interaction

• An electron is removed and the x-ray is scattered with lower energy

• A positron is produced

In Compton scattering, what happens to the wavelength of the scattered x-ray?

• It remains the same

• It becomes shorter

• It disappears

• It becomes longer

What unique particles are produced during pair production?

• A neutron and a proton

• Two positrons

• An electron and a positron

• Two electrons

What is the minimum energy required for pair production to occur?

• 1 electron volt

• 1 mega electron volt

• 1 kilo electron volt

• 1 giga electron volt

During pair production, what happens to the momentum of the system?

• It is not conserved

• It is conserved and results in particles moving in the same direction

• It is conserved and results in particles moving in opposite directions

• It is doubled

In the photoelectric effect, what happens to the x-ray after interacting with the electron?

• It is scattered with lower energy

• It is absorbed completely

• It produces a positron

• It passes through without interaction

What must be true about the energy of the x-ray for the photoelectric effect to occur?

• It must be higher than the work function

• It must be zero

• It must be lower than the work function

• It must be equal to the work function

Which mechanism involves the complete absorption of the x-ray by the electron?

• Photoelectric Effect

• Simple Scattering

• Pair Production

• Compton Scattering