Which two of these terms describe the energy spectrum of the x-ray beam used in diagnostic medical imaging? (select two)

The term that best describes the energy spectrum of the x-ray beam used in diagnostic medical imaging is "polyenergetic." In diagnostic imaging, x-ray beams typically comprise a range of photon energies produced when electrons decelerate upon striking the anode target in the x-ray tube. This results in a spectrum of x-ray energies, rather than a single energy level, thus making the x-ray beam polyenergetic.

Additionally, "heterogeneous" is another term that accurately describes the x-ray beam's energy spectrum. A heterogeneous x-ray beam means that it contains photons of varying energies, providing different penetration capabilities. This feature of x-ray beams is crucial for creating diagnostic images across various tissue densities and types, allowing for proper differentiation between structures.

In summary, both "polyenergetic" and "heterogeneous" effectively characterize the x-ray beams utilized in diagnostic imaging because they acknowledge the variety of energy levels present, which are essential for producing detailed and diagnostic images.