What is the calculated milliampere-seconds (mAs) when using 80 kVp, 250 mA, and a 0.25 s exposure time?

To find the milliampere-seconds (mAs), you use the formula:

[ \text{mAs} = \text{mA} \times \text{s} ]

In this case, you have a current of 250 mA (milliamperes) and an exposure time of 0.25 seconds. Plugging these values into the formula gives:

[ \text{mAs} = 250 , \text{mA} \times 0.25 , \text{s} = 62.5 , \text{mAs} ]

When rounding, this value typically rounds to 63 mAs. The significance of mAs in radiography is that it represents the total quantity of x-ray exposure produced during the exposure time. Higher mAs values lead to increased exposure, which generally results in a higher image density, meaning the image will be darker.

Therefore, understanding how mAs is calculated and its relationship with mA and exposure time is crucial for determining proper exposure settings in radiographic imaging.