CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of a larger Field of View (FOV)?

1. Increased magnification

2. Darker image

3. Brighter image

4. Increased exposure required

The correct answer is: Brighter image

A larger Field of View (FOV) is characterized by a more extensive area being included in the radiographic image, which typically results in a brighter image. This perception arises because a broader FOV often captures more photons and spreads the exposure over a larger area, making the light density increase in the captured image. This phenomenon is due to the way image receptors respond to incoming photons; with more information and exposure from the larger area, the resultant image tends to appear brighter than those taken with a smaller FOV where the concentration of exposure is limited to a narrower frame. In contrast, increased magnification and the need for increased exposure are generally associated with smaller FOVs where the region of interest is magnified at the expense of brightness. A darker image is usually observed with insufficient exposure or inadequate settings, rather than being a defining trait of a larger FOV. Each of these details helps solidify the understanding that the breadth of the FOV directly influences image brightness through increased photon capture.