Which materials are commonly used for the anode target in x-ray tubes?

The use of tungsten or molybdenum as materials for the anode target in x-ray tubes is based on their specific properties that make them ideal for this application. Tungsten, in particular, has a high atomic number and a high melting point, which allows it to withstand the intense heat generated during the x-ray production process without melting or deforming. This high atomic number also contributes to greater efficiency in x-ray production because it leads to a higher rate of x-ray photon generation when the electrons collide with the target.

Molybdenum is often used in specialized applications, such as mammography, due to its suitable energy levels for producing low-energy x-rays that are particularly effective for imaging soft tissues. The combination of these materials’ thermal and structural properties ensures that the anode can handle the repeated high-energy impacts and heat generated during x-ray production, resulting in reliable and efficient imaging performance.

The other materials listed in the other choices do not offer these necessary characteristics for anode targets. For example, copper can conduct heat well but does not have the same high melting point or atomic number as tungsten. Lead, while it has a high atomic number, is not suitable due to its relatively low melting point. Aluminum and silver also do not