Final answer:
The penetrating ability of x-rays depends on the energy of the x-rays, which is affected by the potential difference, tube current, the atomic number of the target material, and exposure time. Higher energy x-rays, produced by higher potential differences or targets with higher atomic numbers, penetrate further, while tube current and exposure time govern the intensity and duration of radiation. Therefore, the correct answer is option 3. potential difference
Step-by-step explanation:
The penetrating ability of x-rays is influenced by several factors, including the energy of the x-rays, which is primarily determined by the potential difference across the X-ray tube and the atomic number of the target material. High-energy x-rays have a longer penetration distance, making them more capable of passing through dense materials.
For instance, when diagnosing a broken leg within a cast, a higher kilovoltage (kV) setting is typically used to ensure sufficient penetration. The tube current and exposure time also play a role, as they determine the number of x-ray photons produced and thus the intensity and duration of the exposure, respectively
Tube current and potential difference are the main contributors to the x-ray energy. High tube current increases the number of photons, whereas high potential difference accelerates the electrons towards the target more strongly, increasing the energy of the produced x-rays.
The exposure time determines how long the subject is exposed to the x-rays, affecting the total dose received.
The atomic number of the target relates to the efficiency of x-ray production and the energy distribution of the emitted x-rays. Materials with a higher atomic number produce x-rays that are more effective at penetrating matter due to the interactions with the electrons in the target material.
The Compton effect becomes increasingly significant with higher energy x-rays, which can influence the level of penetration and image contrast. To enhance contrast, substances with high atomic numbers like barium or iodine can be introduced into certain body parts for clearer radiographic imaging.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 3. potential difference