Which term describes a substance that blocks X-rays and appears white on an X-ray?

Which term describes a substance that blocks X-rays and appears white on an X-ray?

• A. Radiolucent
• B. Contrast material
• C. Radiopaque
• D. Barium

Answer: (C)

In radiography, substances that block X-rays have high attenuation and appear white on the image. This property is described as radiopaque. So a radiopaque substance shows up bright because it absorbs more X-ray photons. Radiolucent would appear darker since it allows X-rays to pass through more easily. A contrast material is a type of substance used to enhance visibility and can be radiopaque, but the term that directly describes the blocking/white appearance is radiopaque. Barium is an example of a radiopaque contrast agent, but the general description of the property is radiopaque.

In radiography, substances that block X-rays have high attenuation and appear white on the image. This property is described as radiopaque. So a radiopaque substance shows up bright because it absorbs more X-ray photons. Radiolucent would appear darker since it allows X-rays to pass through more easily. A contrast material is a type of substance used to enhance visibility and can be radiopaque, but the term that directly describes the blocking/white appearance is radiopaque. Barium is an example of a radiopaque contrast agent, but the general description of the property is radiopaque.