X-Ray Certification Equipment Operation and Maintenance 2

Question 1

Which component in an X-ray tube is responsible for focusing the electron beam onto the focal spot?

Accepted Answer

Focusing cup

Answer

The focusing cup (cathode cup) surrounds the filament and uses a negative charge to electrostatically focus electrons toward the focal spot on the anode.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of the heel effect in X-ray imaging?

Accepted Answer

It creates a variation in beam intensity across the field, with less intensity on the anode side

Answer

The heel effect causes beam intensity to be lower on the anode side because X-rays produced deeper in the anode are attenuated by the anode material itself.

Question 3

A radiographer notices the X-ray tube makes a loud grinding noise during rotation. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Worn or damaged rotor bearings

Answer

Grinding noises during tube rotation indicate worn or damaged rotor bearings, which requires immediate tube replacement to prevent rotor failure.

Question 4

What does the term 'effective focal spot size' refer to in X-ray equipment?

Accepted Answer

The projected focal spot size as seen from the image receptor

Answer

The effective (projected) focal spot is the size of the focal spot as seen from the image receptor, which is smaller than the actual focal spot due to the anode angle.

Question 5

Which quality control test is used to evaluate the accuracy of timer settings on an X-ray unit?

Accepted Answer

Spinning top test or digital timer tester

Answer

The spinning top test (for single-phase units) or a digital timer tester (for high-frequency units) is used to evaluate the accuracy of exposure timer settings.

X-Ray Certification Practice Test

X-Ray Certification Practice Test

X-Ray Certification Equipment Operation and Maintenance 2