Which parameter controls the energy (quality/penetrating power) of the x-ray beam?

Study for the Missouri EFDA Basic Skills Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

Energy (quality or penetrating power) of the x-ray beam is determined by the kilovoltage setting. Raising kilovoltage increases the energy of the emitted photons, making the beam more penetrating and able to pass through denser structures. The other factors mainly affect how many photons are produced or how much exposure reaches the film, not how energetic each photon is: exposure time influences the total dose (quantity), and distance from the source changes intensity at the film via the inverse square law. Density of the image reflects the overall exposure, not the energy of individual photons.