29 Questions
What is the speed of light (c)?
3 x 10^8 m/s
What happens to the energy of x-ray photons as the wavelength gets shorter or the frequency gets higher?
The energy increases
How are x-rays generated in an x-ray tube?
By energy conversion when fast-moving electrons are suddenly decelerated
What are the essential requirements for the generation of x-rays?
A source of electrons, a potential to accelerate them at high speeds, a target upon which the electrons can impact and a vacuum to maximize production
What must be present to maximize the production of x-rays?
A vacuum
What is the speed of light equal to?
Wavelength times frequency
What is the function of the focusing cup in the X-ray tube?
To reflect electrons to a narrow beam toward the anode
What is the primary purpose of the target in the anode of the X-ray tube?
To convert kinetic energy of electrons from the cathode into x-rays
What happens as the size of the focal spot in the target decreases?
The sharpness of the image increases, but the capability to absorb heat decreases
What is the material used to make the filament in the cathode?
Tungsten
Which type of anode is better with heat dissipation in an X-ray tube?
Rotating anode
What is the primary purpose of the filament in the cathode of an X-ray tube?
To provide the source of electrons made of tungsten
What is the function of the focusing cup in the X-ray tube?
To serve as a negative charged concave reflector made of molybdenum
What happens to the majority of the kinetic energy in an X-ray tube?
Dissipates as heat through the copper stem
What is the function of the step-down transformer in the power supply of an X-ray machine?
To reduce the voltage from 110V to about 10V at the filament
What does the autotransformer do in the power supply of an X-ray machine?
Converts primary voltage from the input source into the second voltage
What is the purpose of the mA switch in an X-ray machine?
To control the tube current in milliamperes
What does the timer control in an X-ray machine?
The duration of x-ray exposure
How is the timer calibrated in an X-ray machine?
In fractions and whole numbers of seconds
What is the equivalent of 1 second in terms of number of impulses for the X-ray exposure?
60 impulses
What is the primary cause of Bremsstrahlung radiation?
Electrostatic attraction on the electron due to its proximity to the nucleus
What describes the energy of the x-ray beam produced by dental x-ray units in bremsstrahlung radiation?
Described by identifying the peak operating voltage in kVp
What is the source of most x-rays produced by dental x-ray units?
Bremsstrahlung radiation
Which radiation has a continuous spectrum of energy?
Bremsstrahlung radiation
What causes characteristic radiation to be given off?
Ejection of an inner orbital electron from a tungsten target atom
What is the primary cause of characteristic radiation in an X-ray tube?
Filling of a vacancy in the orbit
Which type of radiation has a continuous spectrum of energy?
Bremsstrahlung radiation
What is the primary characteristic of characteristic radiation in an X-ray tube?
It has a minor source of radiation from the x-ray tube
What is the primary cause of Bremsstrahlung radiation in an X-ray tube?
Collisions between electrons and the anode target material
Test your knowledge about the fundamental concepts of X-ray radiation, including speed, wavelength, frequency, and energy of X-rays.
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