X-ray Production and Equipment Quiz

The negative electrode in an X-ray tube. Consists of a filament and focusing cup.

The positive electrode in an X-ray tube. Consists of a tungsten target with added rhenium, embedded within a molybdenum disk.

A thin tungsten wire within the cathode. When heated, it releases electrons through thermionic emission. The filament's size determines the focal spot size.

A cup surrounding the filament, made of molybdenum. It's negatively charged to focus the electrons towards the anode.

The process of emitting electrons from a heated surface, like the filament in an X-ray tube.

The point on the anode where the electron beam hits. Its size influences image sharpness.

Occurs when high-speed electrons from the cathode collide with the tungsten target in the anode, resulting in the production of X-rays.

When electrons from the cathode interact with electrons in the tungsten target, causing the emission of characteristic X-rays with specific energies.

The actual physical size of the area on the anode that is bombarded by electrons.

The projected size of the focal spot, which appears smaller than the actual focal spot due to the angled anode.

The circular path on the anode where electrons bombard the anode.

The major limitation of X-ray production due to the heat generated during the process.

The ability of a material to absorb heat without a significant change in temperature.

A visual representation showing the maximum heat output that an X-ray tube can handle before damage occurs.

The rotating anode is a common type of anode used in X-ray tubes with a rotating disc with a tungsten target. It rotates at 50 Hz to prevent overheating by spreading the heat load over a larger area.

The maximum power (kV and mA) that can be safely applied to an X-ray tube for a specific exposure time, before it overheats.

The decrease in the maximum available X-ray power (kV and mA) with increasing exposure time. Longer exposures create more heat, limiting the power that can be used.

The angle between the anode target and the electron beam. A larger anode angle leads to a smaller actual focal spot size but reduces heat dissipation.

A phenomenon where the intensity of the X-ray beam is higher on the cathode side than on the anode side. This is because X-rays must travel through more target material to exit on the anode side causing attenuation.

A graph that indicates how long it takes for the anode to cool down after an exposure. This helps prevent anode overheating by ensuring enough time for cooling between exposures.

A thin layer of beryllium and aluminum in the X-ray tube that filters out low-energy (soft) X-rays. This reduces patient exposure without affecting image quality.

Low-energy (soft) X-rays that contribute to patient dose, but not image quality, as they are absorbed by the patient's tissues and do not reach the detector.