What is the primary effect of increasing kilovoltage on the x-ray beam?

Increasing kilovoltage (kV) primarily affects the energy of the x-ray photons generated in the x-ray tube. When kV is increased, the resulting x-rays have higher energy and greater penetrability. This means they can pass through denser materials, including human tissues, more effectively. Higher-energy photons can penetrate more effectively through body structures, resulting in improved imaging of various tissues during radiographic procedures.

This increase in penetrability is essential for producing diagnostic images because it allows the x-rays to reach the image receptor without being significantly absorbed by the patient’s body, thereby enhancing the quality of the image obtained. As the x-ray photons penetrate through the body, they can provide clearer images of internal structures, particularly when distinguishing between soft tissues and denser materials such as bones.

While other effects, such as changes in patient dose and scatter radiation, may occur with varying kV settings, the primary and most direct impact of raising kilovoltage is on the photon penetrability. Higher kV contributes to a more effective x-ray examination, as it allows for better visualization of anatomical structures.