Tungsten x-ray target replaced by molybdenum.

In summary, the minimum wavelength of x-ray emitted from an Xray tube with a tungsten target and 50kV voltage is 2.481×10^ (-11) m. If the target is replaced with molybdenum, the minimum wavelength may increase due to the higher atomic number of tungsten compared to molybdenum. However, a rigid justification cannot be determined without more information about the question. The maximum amount of energy that can be converted to a photon in an inelastic collision between an electron and the nucleus of a target atom depends on factors other than just the atomic number. Further information is needed to determine the exact maximum amount of energy.
  • #1
sudipmaity
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In an Xray tube containing tungsten target , 50kV voltage is applied. Calculate the minimum wavelength of xray emitted. If the target is replaced by molybdenum will the min. wavelength change. Justify your answer?
I used λ min= hc/eV= 2.481×10^ (-11) m for the 1st part.
For the 2nd part I am clueless. I infer from observing graphs given in textbooks that molybdenum should have higher λmin than tungsten. Z=74 for tungsten and Z=42 for molybdenum. But can't come up with a rigid justification.
Should i use

ΤΜο)=( ΖΜο-1/ΖΤ-1)^2??
 
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  • #2
I think you must have missed something from the question statement. What is the 50kV applied to?

Presumably it is applied to an electron that comes along and smacks into the target. So, where does the maximum amount of energy (and so the minimum wavelength) for the photon produced come from?

Think about an inelastic collision between an electron and the nucleus of some target atom that starts at rest in the lab frame. What will the maximum possible amount of energy be that could be converted to a photon? Think about the electron and the nucleus colliding and at that moment giving up the maximum possible amount of kinetic energy to the photon. How much is that maximum? On what does that maximum depend?

Hint: It's not Z for the nucleus. Z is the number of protons. There are other things in a nucleus.
 

1. What is the reason for replacing tungsten with molybdenum as an x-ray target?

Tungsten is a commonly used material for x-ray targets due to its high melting point and ability to produce high-energy x-rays. However, it is also a very dense material, which can lead to increased scattering of the x-rays and decreased image quality. Molybdenum is a lighter element that still has a high melting point and can produce high-energy x-rays, but with less scattering and improved image quality.

2. How does molybdenum compare to tungsten in terms of cost?

Molybdenum is generally less expensive than tungsten, making it a more cost-effective option for x-ray targets. This is due to the fact that molybdenum is more abundant and easier to extract from its ore, whereas tungsten is a rarer element and more difficult to extract.

3. Are there any drawbacks to using molybdenum as an x-ray target?

One potential drawback is that molybdenum has a lower thermal conductivity compared to tungsten, meaning it may not be as efficient at dissipating heat. This could potentially lead to shorter lifespan of the target and more frequent replacements. However, advancements in target design and cooling systems have minimized this issue.

4. Are there any other materials that can be used as x-ray targets?

Yes, there are several other materials that can be used as x-ray targets, including copper, silver, and gold. These materials are typically used for specific applications, such as producing low-energy x-rays for medical imaging.

5. How does the replacement of tungsten with molybdenum impact the performance of x-ray machines?

The use of molybdenum as an x-ray target can lead to improved image quality due to reduced scattering of the x-rays. It can also increase the efficiency of the x-ray machine, as less energy is required to produce high-energy x-rays. Overall, the replacement of tungsten with molybdenum can improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of x-ray machines.

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