Which type of radiation is used in medical imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans?

Ionizing radiation is utilized in medical imaging techniques such as X-rays and CT scans due to its ability to penetrate body tissues and create detailed images of the internal structures. This type of radiation carries enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which is essential for generating the images necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

In X-ray imaging, ionizing radiation passes through soft tissues but is absorbed by denser structures like bones, producing a contrast that is essential for interpretation. Similarly, in a CT scan, multiple X-ray images are taken from different angles, and the collected data is processed to create cross-sectional images of the body. The ionizing nature of this radiation allows for the capture of precise and clear images that are critical for detecting abnormalities.

In contrast, non-ionizing radiation, like that used in ultrasound or MRI, does not have sufficient energy to ionize atoms and is utilized differently. Non-ionizing modalities do not provide the same level of detail for imaging bone or certain tissues, making ionizing radiation the preferred choice for specific diagnostic purposes in medical imaging.