X-ray Tube Components and Functions

What is the primary function of the cathode in an X-ray tube?

• Absorbing electrons and creating X-rays

• Creating free electrons through thermionic emission

• Providing structural support to the tube

• Regulating the X-ray beam intensity

Which component of the X-ray tube is positively charged and responsible for absorbing electrons to produce X-rays?

• Cathode

• Glass Envelope

• Anode

• Tube Housing

What is the primary purpose of the glass envelope in an X-ray tube?

• To absorb excess X-rays

• To create an air-free vacuum and protect components

• To cool the anode

• To provide a pathway for electrons

What is the maximum allowable leakage radiation from an X-ray tube housing when operated at maximum technical factors?

• 0.1 mGy per hour

• 0.88 mGy per hour

• 1.0 mGy per hour

• 2.5 mGy per hour

What is the process called when the cathode is heated to create a cloud of free electrons?

• Photoelectric effect

• Compton scattering

• Thermionic emission

• Bremsstrahlung radiation

What is the primary effect of using a small filament in an X-ray tube?

• It results in lower spatial resolution.

• It creates a large, poorly aligned electron beam.

• It produces a narrow, tightly aligned electron beam, leading to high spatial resolution.

• It is primarily used for large body parts requiring large exposures.

What is the main function of the focusing cup in an X-ray tube?

• To generate X-rays.

• To cool the anode.

• To focus the electron beam.

• To regulate the filament current.

How does the focusing cup achieve its function of concentrating the electron beam?

• It uses magnetic fields to pull electrons together.

• It is positively charged, attracting the negatively charged electrons.

• It is negatively charged, repelling and pressing the negatively charged electrons into a tight stream.

• It physically constricts the electron beam pathway.

Which characteristic is a disadvantage of stationary anodes in X-ray tubes?

• They have a complex design.

• They are commonly used in general radiography.

• They have low heat capacity, limiting them to low exposures.

• They allow for high spatial resolution.

What is the primary advantage of a rotating anode over a stationary anode in an X-ray tube?

• It simplifies the overall design of the X-ray tube.

• It allows for the electron beam to be focused on a single, small area.

• It significantly increases the heat capacity by spreading the electron impact over a larger area.

• It eliminates the need for a focusing cup.