What happens to the scattering of x-rays when the kilovoltage (kV) is increased?

When kilovoltage (kV) is increased in an x-ray imaging system, the energy of the x-rays produced also increases. Higher energy x-rays have a greater ability to penetrate tissues and interact with matter. As a result, there is an increase in the number of scatter interactions that occur.

Scatter occurs when x-ray photons interact with matter (like tissue) and change direction without being absorbed. With increased kV, not only do more x-rays reach the image receptor, but the increased energy can lead to more interactions where photons are scattered instead of absorbed. This scatter contributes to decreased image contrast and can increase the overall radiation dose to the patient and the level of radiation exposure to the imaging personnel.

Thus, the correct assertion that scattering of x-rays increases with higher kilovoltage aligns with the principles of x-ray physics and the behavior of electromagnetic radiation in biological tissues.