X-ray 1 PRODUCTION

• What happens when high-energy electrons hit the anode?

  They undergo multiple scattering events.
• What are the outcomes of multiple scattering events in the target material?

  They lead to ionizations and excitations.
• What percentage of energy is lost as heat during electron interactions?

  About 99%
• Why do X-ray tubes require a cooling system?

  To dissipate significant heat generated.
• What occurs when a high-energy electron knocks out an inner-shell electron?

  A vacancy is created in the inner shell.
• What happens to fill the vacancy left by an inner-shell electron?

  An outer-shell electron transitions down.
• What is emitted when an outer-shell electron fills an inner-shell vacancy?

  A characteristic X-ray photon is emitted.
• What determines the energy of a characteristic X-ray?

  The specific material of the anode.
• How does bremsstrahlung radiation occur?

  Electrons decelerate near the nucleus.
• What is the energy release mechanism in bremsstrahlung radiation?

  Lost energy is emitted as an X-ray photon.
• What type of energy spectrum does bremsstrahlung radiation produce?

  A continuous energy spectrum.
• What accounts for the majority of X-ray production?

  Bremsstrahlung radiation.
• What is a rare event in X-ray production?

  An incoming electron is completely stopped.
• What happens to the energy of an electron in a rare event?

  It is emitted as a maximum energy X-ray photon.
• If the accelerating voltage is 80 kV, what is the maximum X-ray energy?

  80 keV.
• What is the key formula for calculating maximum X-ray energy?

  $E_{\text{max, X-ray}} =$$E_{\text{initial, electron}} - E_{\text{recoil, electron}}$
• Why is tungsten used for the anode material?

  It has a high atomic number and melting point.
• What does the X-ray output show in terms of energy spectra?

  Distinct characteristic peaks and a continuous spectrum.
• What is the function of the cathode filament in an X-ray tube?

  It is the source of electrons.
• How does the target electrode function in an X-ray tube?

  Electrons strike it to produce X-rays.
• What does the high voltage source do in an X-ray tube?

  It accelerates electrons from cathode to anode.
• What is the purpose of the evacuated tube insert?

  It prevents electrons from interacting with air.
• What is the role of the cooling system in an X-ray tube?

  It dissipates heat generated during interactions.
• How does the X-ray tube convert energy?

  It converts electrical energy into X-rays and heat.
• What is the structure of the cathode filament?

  Made of tungsten in a closely wound helix.
• What is the function of the focusing in the cathode filament?

  To direct and focus emitted electrons.
• Why is tungsten preferred for the target electrode?

  It has a high melting point and atomic number.
• How does the rotating anode design improve efficiency?

  It distributes the heat load over a larger area.
• What is the definition of an electron volt (eV)?

  Energy gained by an electron at 1 volt.
• What is the formula for calculating energy in electron volts?

  $E =$$Q \times V$
• What is the typical efficiency of X-ray production at 60 kV?

  Approximately 0.5%
• How many X-ray photons are produced at 100 mA and 100 ms?

  Approximately $3.13 \times 10^{14}$ photons.
• What does the generator provide in an X-ray tube?

  High voltage and current for electron production.
• What is the purpose of rectification in an X-ray tube?

  To convert AC to DC for electron flow.
• What is the difference between half-wave and full-wave rectification?

  Half-wave blocks half AC cycle; full-wave uses both.
• What is the objective of smoothing pulsating DC in rectification?

  To ensure consistent electron acceleration.
• What is the significance of three-phase rectification?

  It provides more stable output with less ripple.
• What are the core components of the X-ray tube circuit?

  Mains voltage compensation, filament current control, HT circuit.
• What does the exposure switch/timer control in an X-ray tube?

  The timing and duration of X-ray production.
• How does the AEC function in X-ray imaging?

  It adjusts exposure settings based on patient density.