Xrays to find position?

Question

I am having an argument with a friend, this is the question:

We have a piece of cake ( shape of a loaf ) with a ring inside it , if i was to take an xray of the cake would i be able to pin point the position of the ring?

I say i can only find the position of the ring along the lenght of the cake but not the depth in it.

Shes says we can find it perfectly.

Who is right?

Answer 1

Hi. The ring is located in 3D space inside the cake. Stereo X-rays (taken from two slightly different positions) would provide all three dimensions.

Answer 2

If you are only going to take a single x-ray of the cake then you are correct, you can only find the ring's position in two dimensions. However, if you can take two x-rays at different angles, then you can pin point the ring's position in three dimensions.

Answer 3

She is right, but you would have to take two xrays of the cake, one along the length and one from the front. that would give you the height of where the ring is, how far in it is, and how far from the sides.

Answer 4

You are. The X ray will simply give you a 2D representation, with no depth perception A second X ray, from the side, would be needed to determine the depth.

Answer 5

XRays are one-dimensional... you are looking at a flat cake with a ring in it, so the depth does not exists... you are right

Answer 6

If you take one picture of the side of the loaf, that would give you the distance from an end. Then take an end to end x ray, and that would give you the distance from the edge. Your way would only give you the distance from the end.

Answer 7

You'd need more than one Xray. Then you'd be able to pin-point it.