An exposure is made using 80 kilovoltage peak (kVp), 250 milliamperes (mA), and a 0.25 seconds exposure time. Calculate the milliampere-seconds (mAs).

To determine the milliampere-seconds (mAs), you can use the formula:

mAs = mA x time in seconds

In this case, the milliamperes (mA) is 250, and the exposure time is 0.25 seconds. When you perform the calculation:

mAs = 250 mA x 0.25 s = 62.5 mAs

Rounding this value typically results in 63 mAs, which is why this is the correct response.

Understanding mAs is crucial in radiography as it directly affects the quantity of radiation exposure and the resultant image density. Higher mAs values result in greater exposure and potentially darker images. The calculation showcases how mA (the rate of electron flow) and time (duration of exposure) work together to define the total exposure delivered to the imaging receptor. This knowledge is important for maintaining optimal image quality while minimizing patient exposure to radiation.