What does kV stand for in radiography?

In the context of radiography, kV stands for kilovoltage, which refers to the power or potential difference applied to the X-ray tube during image acquisition. This power determines the energy of the photons produced when electrons collide with the target material of the tube. Higher kilovoltage settings result in X-ray photons with greater energy, allowing them to penetrate the patient's tissues more effectively.

An increase in kV enhances the quality of the image by improving the contrast and reducing the overall exposure time, thereby minimizing the patient's radiation dose. The concept of power in radiography is thus closely tied to the ability of the X-ray beam to adequately penetrate various tissues, which is essential for obtaining diagnostic images.

The other aspects, such as the quantity of photons, depth of penetration, and speed of electrons, while related to radiographic imaging, do not accurately define what kV specifically refers to in this context. The focus on kV emphasizes its role in determining the energy and quality of the X-ray beam produced during radiographic procedures.