Which radiation type is commonly associated with medical imaging procedures?

Medical imaging procedures primarily utilize X-ray radiation due to its ability to penetrate human tissue and provide detailed images of internal structures, like bones and organs. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, which allows for improved imaging clarity and contrast compared to other types of radiation. They are specifically suited for diagnostic purposes because they can be finely tuned in terms of energy levels, enabling healthcare professionals to capture the necessary details while minimizing patient exposure to radiation.

While gamma radiation is also a form of electromagnetic radiation and is used in certain medical applications such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans and other nuclear medicine procedures, X-rays are more commonly associated with routine imaging tasks like X-ray films, computed tomography (CT) scans, and fluoroscopy.

In contrast, alpha and beta radiation are types of particle radiation that are not typically used in direct imaging procedures. Alpha particles are relatively large and cannot penetrate the skin, making them unsuitable for imaging purposes, while beta particles, though more penetrating than alpha particles, are primarily used in therapeutic contexts rather than imaging.