Lesson: X-ray Tubes Physics

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In this lesson, we will learn how to describe the production of X-rays using an X-ray tube and how the spectrum of X-rays produced can vary.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

describe the role of the following components/properties/processes associated with X-ray production using a Coolidge tube: hot cathode, target, tube voltage, thermionic emission, and beam current,
describe the electron energy level transitions in atoms of the target material of a Coolidge tube responsible for the production of characteristic energy X-rays,
explain how the features present in the X-ray spectrum produced by a Coolidge tube correspond to electron beam characteristics and to target material characteristics.