American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Test with engaging quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your test readiness with multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence.

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What happens when there is a greater potential difference between the cathode and the anode?

The energy of the x-rays decreases
The density is unaffected
The number of produced electrons increases
The exposure time increases

The correct answer is: The number of produced electrons increases

When there is a greater potential difference between the cathode and the anode in an x-ray tube, the electric field strength increases. This stronger electric field influences the electrons released from the cathode, causing them to accelerate more rapidly towards the anode. As a result, a greater kinetic energy is imparted to these electrons, which leads to the production of more x-rays when they collide with the anode. Additionally, the increase in potential difference enhances the overall efficiency of the tube, which may enable a higher number of electrons to be drawn towards the anode during the same exposure period. This increase in the number of accelerated electrons ultimately translates into an elevated quantity of x-ray photons produced. The combination of these factors explains why the number of produced electrons increases when the potential difference is greater.