Which technical factor controls the energy, frequency, and wavelength of each x-ray photon?

Kilovoltage peak (kVp) is the technical factor that directly controls the energy, frequency, and wavelength of each x-ray photon produced during an x-ray exposure. As kVp increases, the maximum energy of the x-ray photons also increases, resulting in a higher frequency and shorter wavelength.

This relationship is critical because higher-energy x-rays are more penetrating and improve image quality by reducing the amount of scatter radiation. The kVp setting is essential for optimizing the balance between image contrast and radiation dose to the patient.

Milliamperage (mA) affects the quantity of x-ray photons produced but does not alter their energy, frequency, or wavelength. Exposure time influences the total number of photons generated but also does not change their energy characteristics. Filtration serves to selectively absorb lower-energy x-ray photons and improve the quality of the beam but doesn't control the inherent energy of the individual photons either.