What kind of radiation does a CT scan predominantly use?

A CT scan predominantly uses X-rays to create detailed images of the body's interior structures. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate the body, allowing for the visualization of different tissues based on their densities. When a patient undergoes a CT scan, the machine rotates around the patient, capturing multiple X-ray images from various angles. These images are then processed using computers to generate cross-sectional images or "slices" of the body.

In contrast, alpha particles and beta rays are types of particulate radiation that are typically associated with radioactive decay and are not used in CT imaging. Gamma rays, while also an ionizing form of electromagnetic radiation, are primarily used in nuclear medicine and imaging techniques such as PET scans rather than in standard CT scans. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific use of X-rays in CT technology, emphasizing its role in medical imaging.