Radiation Health & SafetyQuestion 25 of 100
During an intraoral exposure, what is the principal source of the scatter radiation that reaches the operator?
a.The control panel of the x-ray unit
b.The lead apron worn by the patient
c.The patient's head and soft tissues, which deflect the primary beam in all directions
d.The dosimeter badge on the operator's collar
Explanation
Scatter is secondary radiation produced when the primary beam strikes matter, and the patient's head is the largest object in the beam, making it the main scattering source in the operatory. The control panel and the dosimeter badge do not generate radiation. The lead apron absorbs radiation to protect the patient rather than acting as a significant scattering source toward the operator.
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