Final answer:
Using a kVp that is too high results in x-ray photons with excess energy leading to overpenetration in materials and poor imaging contrast, alongside a higher radiation dose to the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the selected kVp is too high, the resulting x-ray photons have excessive energy, which can lead to overpenetration in imaging applications. This means that the x-rays can pass through materials, such as tissues in medical imaging, too easily without being sufficiently absorbed or scattered to create a clear image. In the context of x-ray imaging, this can result in images that lack contrast, making it difficult to discern details.
Additionally, using a higher kVp than necessary exposes the patient to a higher dose of radiation, which is undesirable for health and safety reasons. This principle also applies to other applications where control of x-ray penetration is important. X-ray tubes have adjustable voltages to produce x-rays with a range of energies, tailored to the specific application.