X-rays (1 Viewer)

[GaNeSh]

hey if they ask something like describe how xrays are currently produced...is it enough if i say electrons accelerated blah blah blah(not literally)...and hit the metal target or anode and rapidly decelerate, causing the kinetic energy of the electrons to converted into xrays(1%) & heat(99%).?? is that a correct explaination of how xrays are produced?

 

[Irskin]

Yes, that is a fairly solid description.

Another would be: In an an evacuated X-ray tube, electrons are produced at the cathode and accelerated by a high potential difference to strike the anode (tungsten metal target). When the electrons strike the anode their kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy (1% x-rays and 99% heat). The X-rays are produced when the electrons strike the nuclues of the tungsten metal atoms at the anode or when they strike an electron in an inner valence electron shell, forcing one in an outer shell to move closer towards the nucleus. The heat is dissipated by using cooling oil and by rotating the tungsten target so that the electrons strike different parts of the anode, expending the heat more evenly.