Test #1 Flashcards
When were X-rays discovered?
November 8th 1895
What type of tubes was Roentgen working with when he discovered xrays?
Vacuum tubes
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that acts like both _____ & _____
Waves; Particles
X-rays are described as the smallest units of electromagnetic radiation which is known as what?
Photons
This defines the penetrating power of any radiant energy & is the distance b/w 2 successive crests in the waveform
Wavelength
Represents the number of waves passing a given point per given unit of time
Frequency
What is the relationship b/w wavelength & frequency?
They are inversely proportional
What is the relationship b/w wavelength & penetrating power?
They are inversely proportional
What part of the x-ray machine are the x-rays produced?
The Tube
What are the 3 major parts of the x-ray tube?
Cathode
Anode
Glass Envelope
The glass envelope is made of what?
Pyrex
The glass envelope is a vacuum tube that allows for what?
Efficient x-ray production
Longer tube life
Less heat is produced
Faster electron flow
The protective housing is lined with what?
Lead
What are the functions of the protective housing?
Controls excess radiation exposure
Prevents electrical shock
Mechanical support for the tube
This is the negatively charged electrode in the tube
Cathode
What are the 2 major parts of the cathode?
Filament (source of electrons)
Focusing cup
What is the filament made of?
Tungsten
What is the M/C cause of tube failure?
Vaporization of the tungsten filament
Describe the 2 filament wires in a dual focus tube
Large filament produces a large focal spot size of approx. 1.0 or 1.2mm
Small filament produces a small focal spot size of approx. 0.5 or 0.6mm
This condenses & directs the electrons emitted from the filament toward the target. Focuses the beam on the actual focal spot
Focusing Cup
What is the focusing cup made of?
Nickel
This is the positively charged electrode in the tube
Anode
What is the primary component of the Anode?
Tungsten disc called the target
What are the 2 types of anodes?
Stationary - used in dental & portable xray machines
Rotating - utilized in most general purpose tubes
What are 2 advantages of rotating anodes?
Increase the surface area of the target
Spreads the heat over a larger area
What is the Target primarily made out of?
Tungsten
What part of the anode is struck by electrons from the cathode?
the Target
What part of the target gets bombarded by the electrons which are boiled off of the filament?
Focal Spot (source of radiation)
What serves to rotate the anode?
Induction motor
What are the magnets outside the glass envelope called?
Stator
What is the shaft of copper & iron inside the glass envelope that turns the target called?
Rotor
What are 6 characteristics of x-ray photons?
Possess no mass
Have no electrical charge
Travel at speed of light in a vacuum
Travel in straight lines
Make certain chemical compounds fluoresce
Can change biological matter via ionization
This occurs when the electron passes near the nucleus of the atom & the positive charge of the nucleus deflects the electron from its path
Braking (Bremsstrahlung) Radiation