Chapter 4 Xray Circuit

What is the nature of electricity that studies stationary electric charges?

Electrostatics.

What do we call the flow of electrons along a conductor?

Current.

What does Ohm's Law state about voltage, current, and resistance?

Voltage is equal to the current times the resistance (V = IR).

Give an example of a conductor.

Metals such as copper or aluminum.

What is the primary function of an autotransformer in the x-ray circuit?

To provide precise voltage adjustments.

What type of circuit is characterized by components connected end-to-end?

Series circuit.

What happens in a step-down transformer?

Voltage is decreased while current is increased.

Define 'electromagnetic induction.'

The process of creating an electrical current by moving a magnet around a coil of wire.

What is the purpose of a rectifier in an x-ray circuit?

To convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

What is the significance of kilovolts peak (kVp) in x-ray production?

It measures the peak voltage applied to the x-ray tube, affecting the energy and quality of the x-ray photons.

What is thermionic emission?

The boiling off of electrons from a heated filament.

What does the mA selector do in the filament circuit?

It adjusts the amount of current flowing in the circuit.

What device allows current to flow in only one direction?

Diode.

What are the two types of electromagnetic induction?

Mutual induction and self-induction.

Describe a full-wave rectification process.

It allows all electrons to flow in the same direction, thus eliminating gaps in current flow.

What is the role of the focal spot selector in an x-ray tube?

It allows current to flow through either the large or small filament wire.

How does the exposure switch function in an x-ray circuit?

It closes to start the exposure and opens to end it.

What is 'voltage ripple'?

The variation of the DC voltage within a circuit, referring to the difference between the highest and lowest points of the waveform.

What type of circuit is commonly used in homes?

Parallel circuit.

What role does an exposure timer play in the x-ray circuit?

It controls the length of the x-ray exposure.