Which term refers to radiation that is deflected from its path as it strikes matter?

• A. Primary beam
• B. Scatter radiation
• C. Leakage radiation
• D. Collimated beam

Answer: (B)

Radiation that deflects from its path after striking matter is scatter radiation. When X-ray photons interact with atoms, many continue in the forward direction, but some are deflected due to interactions like Compton scattering. These scattered photons exit in various directions and often with reduced energy, contributing to patient dose and image fog. The primary beam, in contrast, is the unaltered beam before any interaction; collimation simply shapes the beam; leakage radiation is stray radiation that escapes through gaps in the tube housing. So, the term for radiation deflected from its path is scatter radiation.