Basic Physics in Radiology

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. explain the basic physical processes underpinning Radiography; 2. apply physical principles in understanding and practice of diagnostic medical imaging devices and procedures; 3. identify the sources of radiation and mechanisms of their production for both ionizing and non- ionizing; 4. describe its physical characteristics and interaction with matter especially biological systems; and 5. explain the application of radiation in medicine, biology and industry.

Fundamental and derived quantities and units. Equation of motion, concepts of force work energy, power, momentum energy conservation. Fields, Electrostatics, Physical Factors governing capacitance, charging and discharging capacitor and their uses in Radiological Equipment, basic x-ray circuitry and many others. Basic computer Architecture and peripherals. Electromagnetic and Electromagnetic induction, Lenz laws, Mutual and Self-induction. principles and construction of the transformer. Transformer Parameters, uses of mutual and self-inductance in autotransformers and High Tension transformers, AC theory and sources of electric power supply. current electricity, solid state devices, Rectification, principles and uses in Radiology, concept of energy. Atomic structure, Bohr’s atom elements of quantum mechanics applied to atom, Heisenberg’s uncertainty theory, de Broglie wavelength, Schrodinger equation and configuration of atoms. The nuclear structure and models, nuclear instability and radioactivity, Wave and Quantum methods of Energy Transfer and applications in radiology, production of X-rays, Radioactivity and radioactive decay, half-life, counters, units of activity and measurement, K- capture. The atom, isotopes, isobars, isomers, nuclear binding energies, and inverse square law, effects of filtration. Luminescence and their applications. Interaction of radiation (emr and particulate radiation) with matter and their applications in medical imaging and radiotherapy. Attenuation of radiation shielding and filtration.