American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the ARRT exam with our quiz. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam success!

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What impact does increasing the Source-to-Image Distance (SID) have on recorded detail?

It decreases recorded detail
It has no effect on recorded detail
It increases recorded detail
It randomly affects recorded detail

The correct answer is: It increases recorded detail

Increasing the Source-to-Image Distance (SID) positively impacts recorded detail in radiographic imaging. When the SID is increased, the x-ray beam diverges less by the time it reaches the imaging receptor, which results in a sharper image. This reduced divergence helps to minimize the geometric blur or penumbra around the edges of structures in the image. Greater SID decreases the size of the x-ray focal spot's shadow on the image receptor, thereby enhancing spatial resolution and increasing the clarity of fine details. Additionally, a larger SID reduces the amount of scatter radiation reaching the film or detector, which can further contribute to improved image quality and detail. Therefore, increasing SID is a critical technique for optimizing image sharpness and achieving high-quality radiographs.