Question

Production of X-rays for diagnostic applications requires voltage range of

• A. ( \text{30-200 kV} ) \
• B. ( \text{300-2000 kV} ) \
• C. ( \text{2000-20000 kV} ) \
• D. ( \text{2-20 kV} ) \

Hint:

The energy of X-rays directly influences their penetrating power. In diagnostic imaging, a balance is struck between sufficient penetration to visualize internal structures and minimizing patient dose. This balance is achieved within the 30-200 kV range.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

X-ray production in an X-ray tube involves accelerating electrons from a cathode to an anode. The kinetic energy of these electrons, upon striking the anode, is converted into X-rays and heat. The energy of the produced X-rays is directly proportional to the accelerating voltage applied across the X-ray tube. For diagnostic medical imaging, a specific range of X-ray energies is required to adequately penetrate tissues and produce clear images without excessive patient dose. Typical diagnostic X-ray machines operate with tube voltages ranging from approximately 30 kV (for mammography) to around 150-200 kV (for general radiography or CT scans). Voltages much lower than this range (e.g., 2-20 kV) would produce very soft X-rays that would be absorbed by the superficial layers of the body, offering little diagnostic value for internal structures. Voltages much higher than this range (e.g., 300-2000 kV or higher) are used in therapeutic applications (radiation therapy) where higher penetration is needed to treat deep-seated tumors, but they are too energetic and harmful for routine diagnostic imaging.