DA Radiography Week 3

- the portion of a processed radiograph that is dark or black. *A structure that appears radiolucent lacks density & permits the passage of the x-ray beam with little or no resistance

- the portion that appears light or white. Radiopaque structures are dense and absorb or resist  passage of the x-ray beam -ex. dentin, enamel and bone.  

- proper density and contrast

*The ideal radiograph is not too light and not too dark

-  the overall blackness or darkness of a radiograph

- Milliamperage (mA) is the quantity of x-rays emitted from the tubehead. If mA is increased, density increases making film darker   - Kilovoltage peak (kVp) is the maximum or peak voltage that is used during an x-ray exposure. The quality of the x-ray depends on the kVp. If kVp is increased, so is density 

- exposure time defines the density of a film. *The longer the exposure time, the darker the radiograph. *The shorter the exposure time the lighter the radiograph.

- the thickness of soft tissue and bone in a patient.

- Contrast refers to the density of radiograph

-High contrast- very dark and very white areas on a radiograph

-Low contrast-not very dark or light areas, but many shades of gray