American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Test with engaging quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your test readiness with multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence.

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What happens when the film size is decreased from 14 x 17 to 8 x 10 inches?

  1. Increases radiographic density and reduces scatter

  2. Decreases radiographic density and increases scatter

  3. Decreases radiographic density and decreases scatter

  4. Increases radiographic density and increases scatter

The correct answer is: Decreases radiographic density and decreases scatter

When the film size is decreased from 14 x 17 inches to 8 x 10 inches, the overall area of the image receptor is reduced. This change in film size affects the amount of radiation that ultimately reaches the film. Smaller film sizes capture less exposure because they cover a smaller area, which can lead to reduced radiographic density. Radiographic density refers to the degree of darkness on the radiograph, which is influenced by the amount of radiation that exposes the film. A smaller film size generally results in less overall exposure to the detector, thus directly contributing to a decrease in density. Additionally, a smaller film size tends to produce a more concentrated beam of radiation, which reduces the likelihood of scatter radiation affecting the image. Scatter radiation occurs when X-rays interact with structures in the body and deviate from their original path. With a smaller film, there is less area for scatter to impact. Consequently, as the film size is reduced, scatter decreases, which helps maintain the quality of the image. Overall, decreasing the film size results in decreased radiographic density due to less exposure, while also decreasing the amount of scatter radiation that contributes to the overall image quality.