# Open ended lined cones reduce: A. Intensity of scattered radiation B. Intensity of primary radiation C. Level of scattered radiation D. All of the above The correct answer is C. Level of scattered radiation. The position-indicating device (PID), or cone, appears as an extension of the x-ray tubehead and is used to direct the x-ray beam. Three basic types of PIDs are currently used: (1) conical, (2) rectangular, and (3) round. The conical PID appears as a closed, pointed plastic cone. When x-rays exit from the pointed cone, they penetrate the plastic and produce scatter radiation. To eliminate cone-produced scatter radiation, the conical PID is no longer used in dentistry. Open-ended, lead-lined rectangular or round PIDs limit the occurrence of scatter radiation. Both rectangular and round PIDs are typically available in two lengths: short (8-inch) long (16-inch). The long PID is preferred because less divergence of the x-ray beam occurs. Of the three types of PID, the rectangula...