What happens to the intensity of radiation as filtration increases?

As filtration increases, the intensity of radiation reaching the patient or the detector decreases. This occurs because filtration involves the use of materials that absorb lower-energy photons from the radiation beam. While these lower-energy photons contribute to the overall intensity of radiation, they are not as effective for imaging purposes and can add to patient dose without providing diagnostic value.

Thus, when increasing filtration, the overall number of photons (and subsequently, the intensity) that pass through the filter and reach the imaging area is diminished. This leads to a more suitable beam for diagnostic imaging, as higher-energy photons that are more likely to contribute to image formation are allowed to pass, while the less useful, lower-energy photons are absorbed by the filter. This process enhances image quality by reducing patient exposure to unnecessary radiation.

The other possible outcomes, such as an increase in intensity or a constant level, do not accurately reflect the effect of increased filtration on radiation intensity. An increase would contradict the purpose of filtration, which is to improve the quality of the beam by removing unwanted low-energy radiation. Similarly, if the intensity were to remain constant or fluctuate, it would indicate no effect from filtration, which isn't aligned with established principles of radiological practice.