CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

True or False: A smaller target angle in radiography leads to a smaller effective focal spot and better resolution.

1. True

2. False

3. It depends on the machine

4. Only true in certain circumstances

The correct answer is: True

Having a smaller target angle in radiography does indeed lead to a smaller effective focal spot. This smaller effective focal spot improves image resolution. In radiography, the target angle refers to the angle at which the x-ray tube target (the anode) is inclined relative to the direction of the electron beam. A smaller target angle reduces the size of the effective focal spot that projects onto the patient's body. A smaller effective focal spot means that the x-ray beam can produce sharper images with less geometric blur, which is particularly important in imaging structures that require high resolution, such as bones or small anatomical details. The reduction in the effective focal spot size enhances the detail and clarity of the resulting image, allowing for better differentiation of adjacent structures. This principle is fundamental in optimizing radiographic imaging techniques and underscores the importance of target angles in the design and use of x-ray equipment. Thus, indicating that having a smaller target angle generally improves image resolution is accurate.