Exposure to primary radiation occurs when the body absorbs radiation from the primary beam.

Exposure to primary radiation occurs when the body absorbs radiation from the primary beam.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Both

Answer: (A)

Primary radiation is the direct X-ray photons that come from the tube toward the patient. When those photons are absorbed by body tissues, energy is deposited in the tissue. That deposition of energy from the primary beam is what we refer to as exposure to primary radiation. Scatter and leakage originate after the primary photons interact with matter or escape the tube, but they are not the primary beam itself. So the statement is true: the body is exposed to the primary beam when it absorbs energy from those direct photons.

Primary radiation is the direct X-ray photons that come from the tube toward the patient. When those photons are absorbed by body tissues, energy is deposited in the tissue. That deposition of energy from the primary beam is what we refer to as exposure to primary radiation. Scatter and leakage originate after the primary photons interact with matter or escape the tube, but they are not the primary beam itself. So the statement is true: the body is exposed to the primary beam when it absorbs energy from those direct photons.