Penetrating power

kVp

The number of x-rays traveling from the x-ray tube toward the image receptor 

mA

Depends on length of exposure 

The potential difference between the anode and cathode 

kVp - kilovoltage peak

Higher kVp = faster the electrons are accelerated, lower mAs = safety 

Affects quality 

Short = high kVp, faster

Long = low kVp, slower 

Electrical current that heats the filament 

As mA increases, the number of electrons increases

Affects quanitity

High mA - short time 

Affects intensity of image produced 

Inverse square law