PhysicsChapter 11: Medical Imaging
MINIMUM WAVELENGTH λ_min = hc/eV
The minimum X-ray wavelength
Definition
The minimum X-ray wavelength corresponds to the maximum possible photon energy produced when an accelerated electron transfers all its available kinetic energy to one photon.
Formula / Key Relation
An electron accelerated through potential difference `V` gains maximum kinetic energy: Kmax = eV Photon energy is: E = hf = hc/λ For the maximum-energy photon: eV = hc/λmin Therefore: **λmin = hc/eV Increasing tube voltage increases the maximum photon energy and therefore decreases the minimum wavelength. λmin = hc/eV**
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.MINIMUM WAVELENGTH λ_min = hc/eV
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
`eV = hc/λmin`
- `eV = hc/λmin`
Voltage ↑ → λmin ↓
- Voltage ↑ → λmin ↓
60-second revision
- Minimum wavelength corresponds to maximum photon energy.
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