Frommer's Radiology for the Dental Professional 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 01: The History of Ionizing Radiation and Basic Principles of X-Ray
Generation
Stabulas-Savage: Frommer’s Radiology for the Dental Professional, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The duty rating refers to the number of consecutive seconds a
machine can be operated before it overheats, and the duty cycle
refers to the portion of every minute that the dental machine can
be used without overheating.
a. Both statements are true.
b. Both statements are false.
c. The first statement is true, the second is false.
d. The first statement is false, the second is true.
ANS: A
Both statements are true.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 9 OBJ: #8
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
2. Too many electrons can hit the target causing too much heat production when the milliampere
(mA) setting of the x-ray machine is more than:
a. 5.
b. 8.
c. 11.
d. 15.
ANS: A
Heat production at the target is the limiting factor of the milliampere (mA) setting of a dental
x-ray machine and an mA of more than 15 more electrons hit the target causing an increase in
heat production.
DIF: Challenging: Application REF: p. 8 OBJ: #8
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B1
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
3. Ultrasonic radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and has no effect on tissue.
, Frommer's Radiology for the Dental Professional 10th Edition Test Bank
a. Both statements are true.
b. Both statements are false.
c. The first statement is true, the second is false.
d. The first statement is false, the second is true.
ANS: D
Ultrasonic radiation is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum, so the first statement is false.
It is non-ionizing radiation and therefore has no effect on tissue, so the second statement is
true.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 5 OBJ: #4
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
4. Federal regulations require that all dental x-ray machines have which of the following?
a. An audible signal in addition to the signal lights in the control panel when an
exposure is being made.
b. A light in the control panel that signals when an exposure is being made.
c. An audible signal when an exposure is being made.
d. There are no federal regulations in this area.
ANS: A
Federal regulations require that all dental x-ray machines must have an audible signal in
addition to the signal lights in the control panel when an exposure is being made.
DIF: Challenging: Application REF: p. 10 OBJ: #9
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: E2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.5 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
5. In a stable atom the number of orbiting electrons (–) equals the number of protons (+) in the
nucleus. Therefore, the atom is electrically neutral.
a. Both statements are true.
b. Both statements are false.
c. The first statement is true, the second is false.
d. The first statement is false, the second is true.
ANS: A
Both statements are true.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 7 OBJ: #6
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
6. Ionization occurs:
a. when an atom loses a proton.
b. when the atom has no charge.
c. when an atom gains a neutron.
d. when an atom loses an electron.
ANS: D
, Frommer's Radiology for the Dental Professional 10th Edition Test Bank
When an orbiting electron is ejected from its shell in an electrically stable or neutral atom, the
process is called ionization.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 7 OBJ: #6
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
7. All of the following are the basic elements of an x-ray tube needed to produce x-rays
EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
a. High voltage
b. The production of heat
c. A target to stop the electrons
d. A source of electrons within the tube.
ANS: B
The three basic elements of an x-ray tube needed to produce x-rays are: high voltage to
accelerate electrons across the tube, a source of electrons within the tube, and a target to stop
the electrons. Heat production at the target is the limiting factor of the milliampere.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 8 OBJ: #9
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B1
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
8. Each of the following are examples of particulate radiation EXCEPT one. Which one is the
EXCEPTION?
a. Neutrons
b. Electrons
c. Alpha particles
d. Gamma particles
ANS: C
Particulate radiation consists of atoms or subatomic particles that travel at high speeds to
transmit their kinetic energy. Examples of particulate include electron (sometimes called beta
particles), protons, neutrons, and alpha particles. Gamma particles are not particulate
radiation.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 4 OBJ: #3
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B4
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
9. The difference in the electromagnetic spectrum between x-rays and visible light lies in the:
a. energy.
b. wavelength.
c. subatomic particles.
d. weightlessness of the waves.
ANS: B
The individual radiations of the electromagnetic spectrum differ in their wavelengths and
frequencies and thus in many of their properties including their ability to penetrate objects.
The weightlessness of the waves is what they have in common.
, Frommer's Radiology for the Dental Professional 10th Edition Test Bank
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 4 OBJ: #4
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
10. Each of the following are properties of x-rays EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
a. x-rays are invisible.
b. x-rays travel in wavy lines.
c. x-rays can penetrate structures.
d. x-rays can adversely affect human tissues.
ANS: B
X-rays travel in straight lines not in wavy lines. All the other answers are correct properties of
x-rays.
DIF: Easy: Knowledge (Recall) REF: p. 6 OBJ: #5
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
11. Identify the particles that compose the nucleus of an atom:
a. electrons and photons.
b. electrons and protons.
c. protons and neutrons.
d. neutrons.
ANS: C
The nucleus of an atom is composed of positively charged subatomic particles, called protons,
and particles that have no charge, called neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged subatomic
particles that orbit around the nucleus.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 7 OBJ: #6
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
12. The target or focal spot in the x-ray tube can be found at the:
a. positively charged anode.
b. negatively charged anode.
c. positively charged cathode.
d. negatively charged cathode.
ANS: A
The target or focal spot of the x-ray is found at the anode side of the tube, and when the
circuit is complete, it has a positive (+) charge. The negative side of the x-ray tube is called
the cathode.
DIF: Challenging: Application REF: p. 8 OBJ: #7
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
13. Identify the metal used in the focal spot of the x-ray tube:
Chapter 01: The History of Ionizing Radiation and Basic Principles of X-Ray
Generation
Stabulas-Savage: Frommer’s Radiology for the Dental Professional, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The duty rating refers to the number of consecutive seconds a
machine can be operated before it overheats, and the duty cycle
refers to the portion of every minute that the dental machine can
be used without overheating.
a. Both statements are true.
b. Both statements are false.
c. The first statement is true, the second is false.
d. The first statement is false, the second is true.
ANS: A
Both statements are true.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 9 OBJ: #8
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
2. Too many electrons can hit the target causing too much heat production when the milliampere
(mA) setting of the x-ray machine is more than:
a. 5.
b. 8.
c. 11.
d. 15.
ANS: A
Heat production at the target is the limiting factor of the milliampere (mA) setting of a dental
x-ray machine and an mA of more than 15 more electrons hit the target causing an increase in
heat production.
DIF: Challenging: Application REF: p. 8 OBJ: #8
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B1
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
3. Ultrasonic radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and has no effect on tissue.
, Frommer's Radiology for the Dental Professional 10th Edition Test Bank
a. Both statements are true.
b. Both statements are false.
c. The first statement is true, the second is false.
d. The first statement is false, the second is true.
ANS: D
Ultrasonic radiation is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum, so the first statement is false.
It is non-ionizing radiation and therefore has no effect on tissue, so the second statement is
true.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 5 OBJ: #4
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
4. Federal regulations require that all dental x-ray machines have which of the following?
a. An audible signal in addition to the signal lights in the control panel when an
exposure is being made.
b. A light in the control panel that signals when an exposure is being made.
c. An audible signal when an exposure is being made.
d. There are no federal regulations in this area.
ANS: A
Federal regulations require that all dental x-ray machines must have an audible signal in
addition to the signal lights in the control panel when an exposure is being made.
DIF: Challenging: Application REF: p. 10 OBJ: #9
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: E2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.5 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
5. In a stable atom the number of orbiting electrons (–) equals the number of protons (+) in the
nucleus. Therefore, the atom is electrically neutral.
a. Both statements are true.
b. Both statements are false.
c. The first statement is true, the second is false.
d. The first statement is false, the second is true.
ANS: A
Both statements are true.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 7 OBJ: #6
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
6. Ionization occurs:
a. when an atom loses a proton.
b. when the atom has no charge.
c. when an atom gains a neutron.
d. when an atom loses an electron.
ANS: D
, Frommer's Radiology for the Dental Professional 10th Edition Test Bank
When an orbiting electron is ejected from its shell in an electrically stable or neutral atom, the
process is called ionization.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 7 OBJ: #6
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
7. All of the following are the basic elements of an x-ray tube needed to produce x-rays
EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
a. High voltage
b. The production of heat
c. A target to stop the electrons
d. A source of electrons within the tube.
ANS: B
The three basic elements of an x-ray tube needed to produce x-rays are: high voltage to
accelerate electrons across the tube, a source of electrons within the tube, and a target to stop
the electrons. Heat production at the target is the limiting factor of the milliampere.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 8 OBJ: #9
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B1
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
8. Each of the following are examples of particulate radiation EXCEPT one. Which one is the
EXCEPTION?
a. Neutrons
b. Electrons
c. Alpha particles
d. Gamma particles
ANS: C
Particulate radiation consists of atoms or subatomic particles that travel at high speeds to
transmit their kinetic energy. Examples of particulate include electron (sometimes called beta
particles), protons, neutrons, and alpha particles. Gamma particles are not particulate
radiation.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 4 OBJ: #3
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B4
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
9. The difference in the electromagnetic spectrum between x-rays and visible light lies in the:
a. energy.
b. wavelength.
c. subatomic particles.
d. weightlessness of the waves.
ANS: B
The individual radiations of the electromagnetic spectrum differ in their wavelengths and
frequencies and thus in many of their properties including their ability to penetrate objects.
The weightlessness of the waves is what they have in common.
, Frommer's Radiology for the Dental Professional 10th Edition Test Bank
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 4 OBJ: #4
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
10. Each of the following are properties of x-rays EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
a. x-rays are invisible.
b. x-rays travel in wavy lines.
c. x-rays can penetrate structures.
d. x-rays can adversely affect human tissues.
ANS: B
X-rays travel in straight lines not in wavy lines. All the other answers are correct properties of
x-rays.
DIF: Easy: Knowledge (Recall) REF: p. 6 OBJ: #5
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
11. Identify the particles that compose the nucleus of an atom:
a. electrons and photons.
b. electrons and protons.
c. protons and neutrons.
d. neutrons.
ANS: C
The nucleus of an atom is composed of positively charged subatomic particles, called protons,
and particles that have no charge, called neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged subatomic
particles that orbit around the nucleus.
DIF: Average: Comprehension REF: p. 7 OBJ: #6
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
12. The target or focal spot in the x-ray tube can be found at the:
a. positively charged anode.
b. negatively charged anode.
c. positively charged cathode.
d. negatively charged cathode.
ANS: A
The target or focal spot of the x-ray is found at the anode side of the tube, and when the
circuit is complete, it has a positive (+) charge. The negative side of the x-ray tube is called
the cathode.
DIF: Challenging: Application REF: p. 8 OBJ: #7
MSC: CDA: Radiation Safety for Patients and Operators: B2
NOT: NBDHE: 2.0 Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs: 2.1 Principles of radiophysics and
radiobiology
13. Identify the metal used in the focal spot of the x-ray tube:
