CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is a common use of Tungsten in radiography?

1. Shielding

2. X-ray tubes

3. Film production

4. Image storage

The correct answer is: X-ray tubes

Tungsten is commonly used in radiography primarily because of its properties that make it an ideal material for X-ray tubes. It has a high atomic number, which enhances its ability to produce X-rays when subjected to an electric current. When electrons collide with the tungsten target in the X-ray tube, they decelerate rapidly, resulting in the production of X-rays through a process known as bremsstrahlung radiation. This capability is crucial for generating the high-energy photons needed for effective imaging in various medical and industrial applications. Tungsten’s high melting point (about 3,422 degrees Celsius or 6,192 degrees Fahrenheit) allows it to withstand the intense heat generated during X-ray production without deforming or melting, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of X-ray tubes. The density and atomic structure of tungsten also contribute to its effectiveness in producing high-quality images. Other uses of Tungsten, such as in shielding, film production, or image storage, do not leverage the metal's key properties that make it most useful in the context of X-ray tubes. While tungsten can be used in shielding due to its density to reduce radiation exposure, its primary and most significant application in radiography remains in the production of X-rays within the tube assembly.