Why does an X-ray circuit machine use alternating current?

Alternating current (AC) has a fluctuating voltage, which causes electrons to flow back-and-forth within the circuit. **The electrical power to the x-ray tube must be direct current (DC) in order to avoid damage to the x-ray tube. This ensures the electrons flow from cathode to anode and not in reverse.

What energy does an X-ray machine use?

electromagnetic energy
It is these invisible waves of electromagnetic energy that give us the use of X-rays.

What voltage does an X-ray machine use?

220 volt
In most clinics and hospitals, a standard 220 volt current supplies power to the x-ray machine. The transformer raises the voltage to 100,000’s of volts, the amount of energy necessary to produce x-rays.

Why do X-rays need high voltage?

A large electrical potential is created between the cathode and the anode by the high-voltage generator. The higher the kilovoltage, the more speed and, therefore, energy the electrons have when they strike the anode. Electrons striking with more energy results in X-rays with more penetrating power.

What is the primary difference between direct current DC and alternating current AC within an electrical circuit?

Both AC and DC describe types of current flow in a circuit. In direct current (DC), the electric charge (current) only flows in one direction. Electric charge in alternating current (AC), on the other hand, changes direction periodically.

When a circuit running on AC has a light bulb it doesn’t have a steady flow of positively charged?

This means that when a circuit running on AC has a light bulb, it doesn’t have a steady flow of positively charged electrons running through it like it does on DC power, so the light is not constant either. It flickers on and off for every cycle of electron charge transfer at 60 complete cycles per second.

What is the difference between tube current and filament current?

Filament current is applied across the tungsten cathode filament (10 A) and affects the number of electrons released. Tube current is applied across the x-ray tube from cathode to anode and affects the energy and number of electrons released.

When a circuit running on AC has a light bulb?

What is the purpose of a filament current?

A fine wire that is enclosed in the bulb of an incandescent lamp and gives off light when an electric current is passed through it. 4. A wire that acts as the cathode in some electron tubes when it is heated with an electric current.