DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

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The sharpness of definition of a radiograph is primarily determined by which part of the x-ray apparatus?

  1. Anode

  2. Cathode

  3. Electric circuit

  4. Focal spot

The correct answer is: Focal spot

The sharpness of definition in a radiograph is primarily influenced by the focal spot of the x-ray tube. The focal spot is where the x-rays are generated, and its size plays a critical role in image clarity. A smaller focal spot allows for greater detail in the image because it limits the penumbra effect, which can cause blurriness at the edges of structures being imaged. Conversely, a larger focal spot increases the penumbra and decreases the sharpness and detail of the radiograph. Therefore, by optimizing the size of the focal spot, radiologists can enhance the resolution and clarity of the images produced, making the identification of anatomical structures more precise and accurate.