What effect occurs when x-rays lose energy while traveling through tissue?

The phenomenon that occurs when x-rays lose energy while traveling through tissue is known as attenuation. This process involves the reduction in the intensity of the x-ray beam as it passes through various materials, such as biological tissue. Attenuation can occur due to a combination of absorption and scattering of the x-ray photons within the tissue.

When x-rays interact with matter, they can be absorbed by the tissue, which reduces the number of photons that continue forward. Additionally, x-rays can also be scattered, changing their direction and further decreasing the intensity of the beam that reaches the detector. Both absorption and scattering contribute to the overall attenuation of the x-ray beam.

Understanding attenuation is critical in CT imaging, as it helps to determine the contrast and density of tissues on the final images, contributing to a better diagnosis. This concept is foundational in physics as it relates to imaging technology and patient safety.