X-ray machines are used in hospitals - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 8 - 2017
Question 8
X-ray machines are used in hospitals.
An X-ray machine contains a linear accelerator that is used to accelerate electrons towards a metal target.
The linear accele... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:X-ray machines are used in hospitals - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 8 - 2017
Step 1
Calculate the work done on an electron as it accelerates from P to Q.
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Answer
To calculate the work done on an electron, we can use the formula for work done by an electric field:
W=EimesQ
Where:
E is the electric field strength and is given as 2.50 kV. We need to convert this to volts for calculations:
E=2.50imes103V
Q is the charge of the electron, which is approximately 1.60imes10−19C.
Substituting the values:
= 4.00 imes 10^{-16}\, J$$
Step 2
Explain why an alternating supply is used in the linear accelerator.
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Answer
An alternating supply is used in the linear accelerator to ensure that the electrons are accelerated in the same direction during each cycle. This consistent acceleration is vital to maintain the focus of the electron beam towards the metal target, allowing for effective and controlled particle movement.
Step 3
Determine the direction of the magnetic field inside beam guide R.
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Answer
The direction of the magnetic field inside beam guide R is out of the page.
Step 4
State two differences between the magnetic fields inside beam guides R and S.
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The magnetic field in guide S is stronger than that in guide R.
The magnetic fields inside guides R and S are in opposite directions.
Step 5
Calculate the minimum speed of an electron that will produce a photon of energy 4 × 10^{-19} J.
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Answer
To calculate the minimum speed of an electron, we can use the formula for energy:
Ek=21mv2
Where:
Ek is the kinetic energy, which we set to 4×10−19J,
m is the mass of the electron, approximately 9.11×10−31kg.
Rearranging the formula to find v:
v=m2Ek=9.11×10−312×(4×10−19)≈9.56×106m/s
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