IN AN OPERATING X-RAY TUBE, A HIGH P.D IS APPLIED BETWEEN THE CATHODE AND THE ANODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF

• A. accelerating the electrons to a very high energy ✓
• B. concentrating electrons on the target
• C. heating the anode
• D. heating the cathode
• E. producing a stream of electrons

An X-ray tube is a device used in medical imaging and industrial applications to generate X-rays. It consists of a cathode and an anode enclosed in a vacuum tube. When a high potential difference (p.d.) is applied between the cathode and the anode, it creates an electric field that accelerates electrons emitted from the cathode towards the anode. This acceleration of electrons to high energy levels is essential for producing X-rays.

The cathode in the X-ray tube emits electrons through thermionic emission when heated. These electrons are then accelerated towards the anode by the electric field created by the potential difference. As the high-energy electrons strike the target material on the anode, X-rays are produced through interactions such as bremsstrahlung radiation and characteristic radiation.

The potential difference applied between the cathode and anode determines the energy of the accelerated electrons, which in turn influences the characteristics of the generated X-rays. By adjusting this potential difference, radiographers can control factors such as X-ray beam intensity and penetration depth, allowing for versatile imaging capabilities in various diagnostic and industrial settings.

Overall, the application of a high potential difference between the cathode and anode in an X-ray tube plays a crucial role in generating high-energy electrons necessary for producing X-rays used in medical diagnostics, non-destructive testing, and other applications.

In other words, in an operating X-ray tube, a high potential difference (p.d.) is applied between the cathode and the anode to accelerate electrons to a very high energy level. This process is crucial for the generation of X-rays used in medical imaging, industrial testing, and various other applications.

When the potential difference is applied across the cathode and anode of the X-ray tube, it creates an electric field that accelerates electrons emitted from the cathode towards the anode. The potential difference determines the speed at which these electrons travel, ultimately impacting their kinetic energy upon collision with the anode.

The high potential difference serves two primary purposes in an X-ray tube:

1. Acceleration of Electrons: By applying a high potential difference, electrons are accelerated to high speeds as they move from the cathode to the anode. This acceleration increases their kinetic energy, which is essential for generating X-rays through interactions with the target material on the anode.
2. Generation of X-rays: When accelerated electrons strike the target material on the anode, they undergo rapid deceleration due to interactions with atoms in the target. This sudden deceleration results in the emission of X-rays, which are used for imaging purposes.

The magnitude of the potential difference applied between the cathode and anode directly influences both the energy of the emitted X-rays and their penetration capabilities. Higher potential differences lead to higher-energy X-rays capable of penetrating denser materials for more detailed imaging.