Learning objectives
Describe an X-ray tube in which electrons accelerated through a high p.d. are stopped by a metal target, and calculate the shortest X-ray wavelength produced from eV = hc/λmin.
Explain how an X-ray image of internal structures is formed, what is meant by contrast, and why bone and soft tissue give good contrast.
Apply I = I₀e^(−μx) to an X-ray beam passing through different thicknesses and types of tissue, comparing their attenuation coefficients.
Describe how a CT scanner rotates an X-ray source around the patient to build a two-dimensional image of each slice, and stacks slices taken along the body into a three-dimensional image.
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