In medical diagnostics, the energies of X-rays are less than 1 MeV. Which of these pairs of effects contribute most to the total attenuation of an X-ray beam that penetrates tissue?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The photoelectric effect and Compton scattering are the primary contributors to the total attenuation of an X-ray beam in medical diagnostics because the energies involved are typically less than 1 MeV, where these effects are most significant. Pair production is negligible at these energies, and Rayleigh scattering has a lesser impact on attenuation compared to the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.

In Medical Diagnostics, the Energies of X-Rays Are Less Than