What type of radiation is primarily used in a CT scan?

In a CT scan, ionizing radiation is used primarily because it has sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, thus creating ions. This property is essential for the production of detailed cross-sectional images of the body. The X-rays generated during a CT scan are a form of ionizing radiation, allowing for high-resolution imaging of various tissues, blood vessels, and organs.

Non-ionizing radiation, while used in other imaging modalities such as ultrasound or MRI, does not have the energy required to produce images of the same clarity and detail as those generated by ionizing radiation from a CT scan. Beta and alpha radiations are types of radioactive decay products that are not used in diagnostic imaging due to their different interactions with matter and greater potential for harm to biological tissues compared to X-rays. Thus, ionizing radiation is the correct choice as it is the fundamental basis of CT imaging technology, providing the necessary contrast and clarity required for accurate diagnosis.