Question

The target materials which are suited for X-ray generation are

• A. Silver
• B. Thorium
• C. Uranium
• D. Nickel

Hint:

X-ray Tube Targets. Ideal materials have high Z (efficiency, characteristic lines), high melting point (withstand heat), and good thermal conductivity. Common targets: Tungsten (W), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

X-rays are typically generated in an X-ray tube by accelerating electrons to high energies and bombarding a metal target (anode)
The process involves Bremsstrahlung (braking radiation) and characteristic X-ray emission
Suitable target materials should ideally have:
(1) High Atomic Number (Z): For efficient X-ray production (both Bremsstrahlung and characteristic lines) and to produce higher energy characteristic X-rays

(2) High Melting Point: To withstand the heat generated by electron bombardment

(3) Good Thermal Conductivity: To dissipate heat effectively
Common target materials meeting these criteria include Tungsten (W, Z=74, MP=3422°C), Molybdenum (Mo, Z=42, MP=2623°C), and Copper (Cu, Z=29, MP=1085°C)
Comparing the options: - Silver (Ag, Z=47, MP=962°C): Moderate Z, relatively low melting point compared to W/Mo
Used in some specialized applications but less common than W/Mo
- Thorium (Th, Z=90, MP=1750°C): High Z, radioactive
Not typically used
- Uranium (U, Z=92, MP=1132°C): High Z, radioactive
Not typically used
- Nickel (Ni, Z=28, MP=1455°C): Lower Z than common targets
Given the options and the indicated answer, Silver is chosen
While Tungsten and Molybdenum are more standard choices due to their very high melting points and high Z, Silver has a reasonably high Z and might be considered "suited" compared to the radioactive elements or lower-Z Nickel in this context