RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

Prepared by: WPSB

ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY Particulate Characteristics

- can exhibit particle-like behavior when interacting with matter
Electromagnetic Radiation - these particle-like bundles of energy are called photon

- has no mass Energy of a photon is given by:

- is unaffected by either electrical or magnetic fields
- has a constant speed in a given medium Planck’s quantum equation
- propagates through matter E= hf = hc/λ
- does not require matter for its propagation E= mc 2 (Law of Relativity)
- maximum speed (2.998 X 108 m/sec) occurs in a vacuum E= hf = hc/ λ= mc 2

- its speed is a function of transport characteristics of the medium

- travels in straight lines
- its trajectory can be altered by interaction with matter
- its interaction with matter can occur either by absorption (removal of
the radiation) or scattering (change in trajectory)
- is characterized by wavelength (λ), frequency (v), and energy per
photon (E)

Categories of EM radiation
- comprise the electromagnetic spectrum (radiant heat; radio, TV, and
microwaves; infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light; and x- and gamma
rays)
Where; 1 joule is equal to 6.24 x 10^18 eV
EM radiation used in diagnostic imaging include:
(a) gamma rays - emanate from within the nuclei of radioactive atoms What is the frequency of an 85 keV for chest x-ray?
and are used to image the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals
(b) x-rays - are produced outside the nucleus and are used in Formula: E = h/f
radiography and computed tomography imaging
(c) visible light - is produced in detecting x- and gamma rays and is Given:
used for the observation and interpretation of images E = 85 keV
(d) radiofrequency - is used as the transmission and reception signal h = 4.15 x 10−15 eV.s
for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in FM region f=?

Two equally correct ways of describing EM radiation: Photon

- behaves like waves and like particles - an atom of light
- smallest quantity of any type of electromagnetic energy
photons or quanta - energy disturbances that move through space at the speed of light
- unit of energy for electromagnetic radiation
X-ray photon
- quantum of electromagnetic energy
Properties of X-Ray Photons
Quantum
X-Rays - small bundle of energy
- are not perceptible to human senses
- are electrically neutral Eletromagnetic Spectrum
- travel in straight lines
- travel at the speed of light
- have a penetrating effect on all matter
- have physiological effect on living tissue
- have an ionizing effect on air
- have photographic effect on film emulsion
- produce fluorescence in certain phosphors
- cannot be focused
- have a spectrum of energies

Wave Characteristics

All waves (mechanical or electromagnetic)

- are characterized by their amplitude (maximal height), wavelength
(λ), frequency (v), and period. James Clerk Maxwell
- showed that visible light has both electric and magnetic properties
Amplitude “Electromagnetic energy”
- is the intensity of the wave
Constant speed of light/electromagnetic radiation
Wavelength - 3 x 108 m/s
- is the distance between any two identical points on adjacent cycles - 186, 400 mi/s

Time is required to complete one cycle of a wave is the period Field

- where interactions among different forces, energies, or masses
Frequency
- number of periods that occur per second Gravitational field
- is expressed in hertz (Hz) - Governs the interaction of different masses
- 1 Hz = 1 cycle/sec = 1 sec −1
Electric field
Wavelengths of x-rays and gamma rays - Governs the interaction of electrostatic charges
- are typically measured in nanometers (nm)
Magnetic field
- where 1 nm = 10 −9 m
- Governs the interaction of magnetic poles
 RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
Prepared by: WPSB

Properties of Electromagnetic Energy

Example:
Frequency Beta-minus particles (β-)
- rate of rise and fall of cycles/pulses - are also referred to as negatrons or simply "beta particles"
- unit of measurement of frequency
Positrons
Hertz (Hz) - are positively charged electrons (β+)
- is equal to the number of crests or the number of valleys that pass the - are emitted from some nuclei during radioactive decay
point of an observer per unit of time
- relationship between energy of a photon and frequency (directly Neutrons
proportional) - is an uncharged nuclear particle
- has a mass slightly greater than a proton
Wavelength - are released by nuclear fission
- is the distance from crest to another, from one valley to another, or - are used for radio nuclide production
from any point on the sine wavelength to the next corresponding point
- Relationship between frequency and wavelength Alpha particle (α2+)
- Relationship between wavelength and penetration (inversely - consists of two protons and two neutrons
proportional) - it thus has a +2 charge and is identical to nucleus of helium ( 4He2+)
- is emitted by certain naturally occurring radioactive materials
Velocity (c)
such as
- product of frequency (f) and wavelength (λ)
(1) uranium
-c=f xλ
(2) thorium
(3) radium
Green light has a wavelength of 430 nm. What is the frequency of a
photon of yellow light?
αv2+ particle
- eventually acquires two electrons from the surrounding medium and
Formula: c = f x λ
becomes a neutral helium atom ( 4He)
Given:
C = 3 × 108 m/s
λ = 430 nm
f=?

The x-ray produced at 100 kVp (100 keV) has a frequency of 2.42 ×
1019 Hz. What is its wavelength?

Formula: c = f x λ

Given:
c = 3 × 108 m/s Mass Energy Equivalence
λ=? - Einstein's theory of relativity states that mass and energy are
f = 2.42 × 1019 Hz interchangeable
- the sum of mass & energy must be conserved in any reaction
Inverse Square Law - two conservation laws: one for mass and one for energy (is based on
- the intensity is inversely proportional with the square of distance of a classical physics)
the object from the source. - Einstein showed that these conservation laws are valid only for
objects moving at low speeds.

Law of Relativity
- speeds associated with some nuclear processes… approach the
speed of light
- At these speeds, mass and energy are equivalent according to the
expression

E= m𝐜 𝟐

Therefore:

E= m𝐜 𝟐 = hf = hc/ λ

The exposure from an x-ray tube operated at 70 kVp, 200 mAs is 4 Problem solving
mGya at 90 cm. What will the exposure be at 180 cm? (1) What is the energy of green light where the wavelength is equal to 330 nm?
(2) What is the energy equivalence of a proton (mass = 1.673 x 10^-27 kg), as
measured in joules and eV?
(3) What is the mass equivalence of one photon of 1000 MHz infrared rays?
The exposure from the x-ray tube operated at 70 kVp, 200 mAs is 400
mR at 12 feet. What will be the exposure be at 6 feet?
What is the mass equivalent of an 85 keV chest x-ray?

Particulate Radiation
Formula: E= mc 2
Proton
Given:
- is found in nuclei of all atoms
- has a single positive charge 1 joule is equal to 6.24 x 1018 eV
- is the nucleus of a hydrogen-l atom
E = 85 keV
Electrons c = 3x 108 m/s
- exist in atomic orbits m=?
- are also emitted by nuclei of some radioactive atoms