# Describe how a digital X-ray image of a patient's chest is produced, from the X-ray tube to the final image.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.10.5 X-ray Imaging · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. X-rays are produced by / emitted from an X-ray tube
2. X-rays pass through soft tissue but are absorbed by denser materials such as bone
3. A charge-coupled device (CCD) / detector detects the X-rays that pass through the patient
4. The CCD/detector converts the X-ray data into electrical signals / digital data
5. The digital data is processed by a computer to produce a visible image, where areas that absorb more X-rays appear lighter/white

## Key terms

- [X-ray tube](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/x-ray-tube)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-a-digital-x-ray-image-373653d1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.