DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

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Discover key insights for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety Exam. Use quizzes with flashcards and multiple-choice questions for comprehensive preparation. Succeed and advance in your career.

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Where does the direction of electric current flow within an x-ray machine?

  1. Anode to cathode

  2. Target of the anode to the filament of the wire

  3. Filament of the cathode to the target of the anode

  4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Filament of the cathode to the target of the anode

The correct understanding of the flow of electric current within an x-ray machine is that it moves from the filament of the cathode to the target of the anode. In this process, the cathode consists of a filament that, when heated, produces a cloud of electrons around it. Upon applying a potential difference, these electrons are accelerated towards the anode, specifically striking the target area, where x-rays are generated. This flow accounts for the fundamental mechanism of x-ray production, where the kinetic energy of the electrons converts into x-ray photons upon interaction with the anode material. Recognizing this flow of current is crucial for understanding how x-ray machines operate efficiently and safely.