An X-ray tube used for cancer therapy operates at 33 MV with a beam current of 79 mA
striking a metal target.
Calculate the power of this beam.
Answer in units of W
Power = (voltage)*(current)
= 33*10^6 V * 79*10^-3 A
= 2.6*10^6 W = 2.6 Megawatts
To calculate the power of the X-ray beam, we can use the formula:
Power = Voltage x Current
In this case, the voltage is given as 33 MV (megavolts) and the current is given as 79 mA (milliamperes). However, we need to ensure that the units are consistent. Since power is typically measured in watts (W), we need to convert the voltage from megavolts to volts:
1 MV = 10^6 volts
So, 33 MV = 33 x 10^6 volts
Now we can calculate the power:
Power = (33 x 10^6 volts) x (79 x 10^-3 amperes)
= 2.607 x 10^6 watts
Therefore, the power of this X-ray beam is approximately 2.607 megawatts (MW) or 2.607 x 10^6 watts (W).