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PPhysicsBiologyS6Medicine
Medical physics lab: X-rays, ultrasound and lasers
Hospitals see inside the body without opening it. Find out how X-ray images and ultrasound scans work, and why each is used.
LevelS6 (and A Level)
TimeAbout 35 min
You useI = I₀e^(−μx), d = vt ÷ 2
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To investigate how X-rays and ultrasound are used to image the body.
You will learn to
- Use the exponential attenuation of X-rays.
- Calculate half-value thickness.
- Use echo times to find depths.
- Compare ionising and non-ionising imaging and lasers.
🧭 What to do
- Choose X-ray image and change the Thickness of bone in the beam.
- Read the fraction transmitted and look at the image.
- Choose Ultrasound echo and change the depth of the boundary.
- Read the echo time.
- Answer the questions with the class data.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
Values used in medical imaging.
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Worksheet: case studies of imaging in a hospital
- Medical physics problems
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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