X-rays are produced when a beam of high speed electrons collides with a target in a tube like the one shown - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 10 - 2018
Question 10
X-rays are produced when a beam of high speed electrons collides with a target in a tube like the one shown.
(i) What are X-rays? State two properties of X-rays.
(... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:X-rays are produced when a beam of high speed electrons collides with a target in a tube like the one shown - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 10 - 2018
Step 1
What are X-rays? State two properties of X-rays.
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Answer
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that possess high energy. They are capable of penetrating various materials, including human tissues, which makes them useful in medical imaging. Two properties of X-rays are:
High energy and ionizing capability, which can ionize atoms and affect cellular structures.
Short wavelength, which allows them to pass through certain substances while being absorbed by others, like bones.
Step 2
What process occurs at part A?
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Answer
At part A, the thermionic emission occurs. This is the release of electrons from a heated filament, which is essential for generating the beam of electrons needed for X-ray production.
Step 3
Name a substance used in part B.
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A common substance used in part B is tungsten, known for its high melting point and ability to withstand the heat generated during X-ray production.
Step 4
State the function of part C.
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The function of part C is to prevent the escape of X-rays, shielding the user and protecting them from unnecessary exposure, while also maintaining a vacuum to optimize the electron beam.
Step 5
State one use of X-rays.
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One use of X-rays is in medical imaging, particularly in radiography, to visualize the internal structures of the body for diagnostic purposes.
Step 6
Why is a vacuum needed inside an X-ray tube?
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A vacuum is needed inside an X-ray tube to eliminate air, which would cause scattering and absorption of the electrons, thus improving the efficiency of the X-ray production process.
Step 7
Name another device that uses a beam of high speed electrons.
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Another device that uses a beam of high speed electrons is a cathode ray tube (CRT), commonly found in older television sets and computer monitors.
Step 8
State one use for the device you have named in part (vii).
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One use for the cathode ray tube is in display screens for televisions and computer monitors, where it is used to create images through electronic scanning.
Step 9
State one difference between X-rays and gamma-rays.
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A key difference between X-rays and gamma-rays is their origin: X-rays are typically produced by electronic transitions in atoms, while gamma-rays originate from nuclear reactions or radioactive decay.
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