What is the maximum energy of x-ray photons in the exposure made with 96 kilovoltage peak (kVp)?

The maximum energy of x-ray photons produced during an exposure is determined by the kilovoltage peak (kVp) setting on the x-ray machine. When set at 96 kVp, this means the highest energy x-ray photons generated can reach up to 96 kiloelectron volts (keV).

This relationship exists because kVp represents the peak voltage applied to the x-ray tube, which accelerates electrons toward the anode. When these high-speed electrons collide with the target material (typically tungsten), they produce x-rays. While most of the emitted x-rays will have lower energies, the maximum photon energy produced during this interaction cannot exceed the energy equivalent of the kVp setting. Therefore, in this case, the maximum energy of x-ray photons is 96 keV, which correlates directly with the 96 kVp setting.

Other options represent energies that do not correspond to the maximum achievable energy at this kVp setting, thus making them incorrect.