(a)[2]
Distinguish, in X-ray imaging, between sharpness and contrast.
(b)[2]
State two causes for a loss of sharpness in an X-ray image.
(c)
Fig. 10.1 gives the linear attenuation (absorption) coefficient $\mu$ for X-ray photons. A parallel beam of X-rays is incident, separately, on a thickness of $3.5\,\text{cm}$ of bone and on a muscle of thickness $8.0\,\text{cm}$.
(c(i))[3]
Calculate the ratio $$\frac{\text{intensity of X-ray beam transmitted through bone}}{\text{intensity of X-ray beam transmitted through muscle}}.$$
(c(ii))[2]
Use your answer in (i) to say whether an X-ray image of the bone and muscle would have good or poor contrast.