Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding an X-ray tube? 

a. The tube current (mA) is increased by increasing the filament voltage 

b. An increase in the tube voltage (kV) leads to a proportional increase in tube current (mA) 

c. Electrons are generated by heating the anode, which is usually made from tungsten 

d. The kinetic energy of electrons (keV) in the X-ray tube is dependent on the tube voltage (kV) 

e. The collision of electrons with a tungsten target mainly results in the production of X-ray radiation

Answer 1

a. True. The filament is heated by passing an electrical current through it, known as the tube current, which subsequently emits electrons. 

b. False. The tube voltage affects the kinetic energy of each electron (keV), not the tube current, i.e. number of electrons. 

c. False. Electrons are released by heating the cathode filament. 

d. True. 

e. False. The collision of electrons with tungsten results mainly in the production of heat, due to interaction with outer electrons.