Producing X-Rays from a Television Picture Tube

In summary, it is possible for X-rays to be produced by a television picture tube or CRT by altering the tube. The reason for lead in CRT glass is to crash into the target in order to produce X-rays. The campaign against lead in glass is a challenge for optical engineers, but melting toxic heavy metals into glass is considered the safest way of disposing of them.
  • #1
mike2007
46
0
Can X rays be produced by a television picture tube?

My attempt
It is possible that X-rays can be produced by a television picture tube or a Cathode Ray tube because by altering the CRT X- rays may be produced.

I have no idea if that is true but i think so.
 
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  • #2
Do you know why there is lead in CRT glass?

http://www.epa.gov/wastewise/pubs/g2gfinal.pdf

Think about how a regular X-Ray gun works... what do you crash into the target to make X-Rays on purpose? What does the crashing do to produce the X-Rays?
 
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  • #3
I never understood the campain against lead in glass, which is a real pain for optical engineers.
If you remove the harmful lead from the glass what's the safest way of disposing of it - vitrification? Melting toxic heavy metals into glass is the safets way of disposing of them.
 

1. How does a television picture tube produce X-rays?

The television picture tube is a specialized type of vacuum tube that contains an electron gun. This gun fires a stream of high-speed electrons towards a screen coated with phosphors. When the electrons hit the screen, they cause the phosphors to emit light, creating the television image. However, some of these high-speed electrons also collide with the metal target inside the tube, producing X-rays as a byproduct.

2. Are X-rays produced constantly while the television is on?

Yes, X-rays are produced continuously while the television is on. The electron gun in the picture tube is constantly firing electrons towards the screen, which means that X-rays are also constantly being produced. However, the amount of X-rays produced is relatively low and considered safe for everyday use.

3. How are the X-rays controlled in a television picture tube?

The X-rays produced in a television picture tube are controlled by a metal plate called the shadow mask. This mask is positioned between the electron gun and the screen and has small holes that allow the electrons to pass through and hit specific areas of the screen. The shadow mask helps to direct the electrons and minimize the production of X-rays.

4. Are there any safety concerns with X-rays from a television picture tube?

In general, there are no significant safety concerns with X-rays produced from a television picture tube. The amount of X-rays produced is very low, and the shadow mask helps to control their direction. However, it is still important to follow proper safety precautions and avoid prolonged close contact with the television screen.

5. Can X-rays from a television picture tube be harmful to our health?

The amount of X-rays produced from a television picture tube is considered negligible and does not pose a significant health risk. However, it is always recommended to limit exposure to any type of radiation, including X-rays. It is also important to ensure that the television is functioning properly and to follow safety guidelines while using it.

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