A 500kV is applied across an X-ray tube. Calculate the maximum velocity of the electrons produced [Me = 9.1 x 10-31kg, e = 1.6 x 10-19C]
Answer Details
The kinetic energy gained by an electron accelerated through a potential difference is given by the equation:
KE = eV
where KE is the kinetic energy, e is the charge of an electron and V is the potential difference.
The maximum velocity of an electron produced by an X-ray tube is given by the equation:
v = √(2KE/me)
where v is the velocity, KE is the kinetic energy, me is the mass of an electron.
Substituting the values given, we have:
KE = eV = (1.6 x 10^-19 C) x (500 x 10^3 V) = 8 x 10^-14 J
v = √(2KE/me) = √[(2 x 8 x 10^-14 J)/(9.1 x 10^-31 kg)]
v = 4.2 x 10^8 m/s
Therefore, the maximum velocity of the electrons produced is 4.2 x 10^8 m/s. The answer is (a) 4.2 x 10^8 m/s.