Which statement describes the relationship between milliamperage (mA) and beam intensity?

The relationship between milliamperage (mA) and beam intensity is that beam intensity is directly proportional to the mA. This means that as the mA increases, the intensity of the X-ray beam also increases proportionally. Milliamperage controls the quantity of electrons flowing from the cathode to the anode in the X-ray tube, which in turn affects the number of X-rays produced.

Therefore, when the mA is increased, more electrons hit the target, resulting in a greater number of X-rays being generated. This increase in X-ray production results in higher beam intensity, which can enhance image quality by improving the overall exposure of the radiographic film or digital detector.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for radiographers, as they must adjust these parameters to achieve optimal image quality while minimizing patient exposure.