ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

What is affected when raising the kilovolts on the X-ray control panel?

1. The number of X-rays produced

2. The penetrating capabilities of the X-rays

3. The thickness of the shielding

4. The duration of exposure time

The correct answer is: The penetrating capabilities of the X-rays

Raising the kilovolts on the X-ray control panel primarily affects the penetrating capabilities of the X-rays produced. As kilovoltage (kV) increases, the energy of the X-ray photons also increases. Higher energy photons are more capable of penetrating through dense materials, which is crucial in radiography for obtaining clear images of objects with various thicknesses and densities. This increase in penetration helps to improve image quality and contrast because it allows the X-rays to pass through structures that would otherwise attenuate lower-energy X-rays. While increasing kilovoltage can have indirect effects on the number of X-rays produced and may lead to adjustments in exposure time, the primary and most direct impact is on the energy and penetrating power of the X-rays themselves. This is fundamental for achieving effective radiographic imaging in industrial applications.