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Science in Medicine: Exploring MRI, X-Rays, and Radiation Therapy
MRI Scanning
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed body images.
X-Rays
X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that penetrate soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials like bones.
Radiation Therapy
Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Applications in Diagnostics and Treatment
MRI
- Provides high-resolution images for diagnosing soft tissue conditions.
X-Rays
- Essential for detecting fractures and dental imaging.
Radiation Therapy
- Targets tumors with precision using techniques like gamma knives.
Example Problem
An X-ray machine operates at 
and generates a current of 
. Calculate the power used.
- Formula:
![\[ P = IV \]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI2MSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMiIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDYxIDEyIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIiBzdHlsZT0iZmlsbDojY2ZkNGRiO2ZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eTogMC4xOyIvPjwvc3ZnPg== "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
- Substitute Values:
![\[ P = 5 \times 10^{-3} \cdot 120 \times 10^{3} = 600 \, \text{W} \]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyNjIiIGhlaWdodD0iMTciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyNjIgMTciPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCUiIHN0eWxlPSJmaWxsOiNjZmQ0ZGI7ZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5OiAwLjE7Ii8+PC9zdmc+ "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
![\[ P = IV \]](https://skinattuition.co.uk/core/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-b6006b1b118cb79770cd28f3d63a9a8d_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
![\[ P = 5 \times 10^{-3} \cdot 120 \times 10^{3} = 600 \, \text{W} \]](https://skinattuition.co.uk/core/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-186840de8b9457be1f8252eb7ebb741a_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Practice Questions
- Explain the role of magnetic fields in MRI scanning.
- Describe how X-rays are used in medical imaging.
- Calculate the energy used by an X-ray machine operating for
at 
.
at 
.