(a) Suggest two causes of lack of sharpness of an X-ray image. (b) The thickness of a sheet of metal is examined using a parallel X-ray beam, as illustrated in [Figure 12.1]. Part of the beam passes normally through the metal of thickness 3.2 mm. Another part of the beam passes normally through the metal of thickness x mm. The linear attenuation (absorption) coefficient for the X-ray beam in the metal is 1.5 cm⁻¹. The ratio intensity of X-ray beam transmitted through 3.2 mm of metal intensity of X-ray beam transmitted through x mm of metal is found to be 0.81. (i) Calculate the thickness x. x = .............................................................. mm (ii) The ratio of the intensities is also the ratio of the powers of the X-ray beams. Calculate this ratio in decibels. ratio = .............................................................. dB
- (a)Suggest two causes of lack of sharpness of an X-ray image.[2]
- (b)(i)Calculate the thickness x. x = .............................................................. mm[2]
- (b)(ii)The ratio of the intensities is also the ratio of the powers of the X-ray beams. Calculate this ratio in decibels. ratio = .............................................................. dB[2]
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Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [B2] Any 2 from:
- [B2] scattering of X-ray beam / no lead grid
- [B2] lack of collimation of beam / aperture large
- [B2] anode area large
- [B2] beam p.d. low / photon energy low / X-ray soft
- [C1] 0.81 = (e⁻¹․⁵ ˣ ⁰․³²) / (e⁻¹․⁵ ˣ ˣ)
- [A1] x = 1.8 mm
- [C1] ratio/dB = 10 lg(0.81)
- [A1] = (-) 0.92 dB
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