Operating at 40 kV , an X-ray tube has an electric current of 10 mA flowing from the target to the filament. Assuming that, on average, 1 % of the total kinetic energy of the electrons striking the target is converted into X-rays, calculate the amount of heat produced in the target every second.

Step-by-step solution

The total electrical power supplied to the X-ray tube is given by P = VI . Substituting the given values: P = 40 10^3 10 10⁻³ = 400 W = 400 J/s This represents the total kinetic energy of the electrons striking the target per second. Since 1 % of the total kinetic energy is converted into X-rays, the remaining 99 % is converted into heat. Heat produced per second = 99 100 400 = 396 J Thus, the amount of heat produced in the target every second is 396 J .