INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

To what does photoelectric absorption contribute greatly?

1. Production of x-rays

2. Differences in radiographic density

3. Generation of photons

4. Creation of electrons

The correct answer is: Differences in radiographic density

Photoelectric absorption refers to the process in which x-rays are absorbed by the patient's body. This occurs when the x-rays transfer their energy to the atoms in the patient's body, causing the atoms to become "ionized" or charged. This absorption contributes greatly to the differences in radiographic density seen on x-ray images, as the areas that absorb more x-rays will appear darker while areas that absorb less will appear lighter. Option A is incorrect because while photoelectric absorption does contribute to the production of x-rays, it is not the main reason for it. X-rays are created through a process called bremsstrahlung or "breaking radiation" where an electron is slowed or stopped by an atom, causing it to emit energy in the form of an x-ray. Option C is incorrect because the generation of photons is a direct result of the production of x-rays, as mentioned in option A. Option D is incorrect because while photoelectric absorption does involve the creation of electrons through the ionization process, this is not the main contribution of photoelectric absorption. The main contribution is the differences in radiographic density seen on x-ray images.