X-ray production and ionization energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the confusion regarding kilovolt peak (Kvp) and its relationship to ionization energy in x-ray production. Kvp determines the maximum voltage in the x-ray tube, which is fixed at 65 kv, but this is below the binding energy of tungsten's K-shell electrons at 69.4 ev, raising questions about how ionization occurs. It is clarified that x-rays are primarily produced through bremsstrahlung radiation, where electrons decelerate upon striking the anode, rather than directly causing ionization of inner shell electrons. The conversation also touches on the historical context of x-ray tubes and power supplies. Understanding the distinction between Kvp and the energy of accelerating electrons is crucial for grasping x-ray production mechanisms.
SakuRERE
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Homework Statement
what's the minimum kvp and kep required to generate x-ray?
Relevant Equations
nothing
I am confused with the Kvp and Kep.
I know that In the x-ray tube, after heating the filament and the electron cloud if formed, then the step-up transformer is going to increase the voltage and reduce the current to produce a high potential difference to that electrons will accelerate from the cathode to the anode. now, here comes the issue. the one that will determine the highest voltage is the Kvp (Kvp= kilovolt peak) with the help of the autotransformer. in our x-ray machine, the kvp is fixed and that is 65 kv. but isn't this not enough to cause ionization of the anode (tungsten). I searched about the k-shell (innermost) electron binding energy for the tungsten and it was 69.4. and I learned that for causing ionization of the innermost electron, the energy of the electron that will hit the tungsten should be either =or> than the electron binding energy. so, the hitting electrons should obtain either 69.4 or above kv. how come our x-ray machine works with kvp=65 kv.
I have a doubt that the kvp is not representative for the energy. if this is the case, then what is the unit or the concept that refers to the energy of the accelerating electrons? is it the kep?
 
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Ionizing inner shell electrons will create x-rays as an outer electron falls into fill the hole. However, that is not how the vast majority of x-rays in a typical x-ray machine are produced. X-rays are produced directly by the electrons flying from the cathode. As they strike the anode they encounter atomic nuclei and are rapidly deflected and decelerated. Accelerating (or in this case decelerating) charge creates light. See the Wikipedia article on bremsstrahlung.
 
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