X-ray machines have an area to create X-rays known as the head and a control panel to set the parameters of the current which is measured in voltage (measured in kilovolts or kV) and amperage (measured in milliamperes (mA)), and the time (measured in seconds). X-ray machines can be portable, mobile or fixed. Each machine head contains a glass tube with an anode and a cathode; current applied to the cathode from the mains via a transformer within the head releases electrons which are attracted to the anode at the end of the tube. The tube contains a vacuum and focusing cup to ensure the electrodes can only travel in the direction of the anode. An electrical field within the tube controls the speed at which the elecrons travel towards the anode. | X-ray machines have an area to create X-rays known as the head and a control panel to set the parameters of the current which is measured in voltage (measured in kilovolts or kV) and amperage (measured in milliamperes (mA)), and the time (measured in seconds). X-ray machines can be portable, mobile or fixed. Each machine head contains a glass tube with an anode and a cathode; current applied to the cathode from the mains via a transformer within the head releases electrons which are attracted to the anode at the end of the tube. The tube contains a vacuum and focusing cup to ensure the electrodes can only travel in the direction of the anode. An electrical field within the tube controls the speed at which the elecrons travel towards the anode. |