Radiation physics: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Radiation physics

Sample item

What radiographic density does air usually produce?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Radiolucent black

Air attenuates few X-rays and therefore appears dark or radiolucent on plain radiographs and CT images compared with soft tissue and bone.

Option by option

  • A. Metallic density

    Metal is much denser and whiter than air.

  • B. Uniform gray bone

    Bone is not the same density as air.

  • C. Radiopaque white

    Radiopaque white density is typical of bone or metal.

  • D. Radiolucent black (correct)

    Correct: air is radiolucent and appears dark.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, Radiolucent black. Air attenuates few X-rays and therefore appears dark or radiolucent on plain radiographs and CT images compared with soft tissue and bone.

Why is "Metallic density" not the answer?

Metal is much denser and whiter than air.

Why is "Uniform gray bone" not the answer?

Bone is not the same density as air.

Why is "Radiopaque white" not the answer?

Radiopaque white density is typical of bone or metal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiation physics in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: air is radiolucent and appears dark.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Radiation physics?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.