The metal used for making X-ray tube window is:
Fact based
The metal used for making X-ray tube windows is Beryllium (Be). This is because beryllium has a very low atomic number (Z=4) and low density, which allows X-rays to pass through it with minimal absorption. Other metals like sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) have higher atomic numbers and densities, making them less transparent to X-rays and unsuitable for this application.
Atomic Number and X-ray Absorption: The ability of a material to transmit X-rays is inversely related to its atomic number. Lower atomic number elements absorb fewer X-rays. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) often quantifies this, where lower values indicate better transmission.
Beryllium Properties: Beryllium is a lightweight metal with high thermal conductivity and strength, making it ideal for X-ray windows that require both transparency to X-rays and structural integrity under vacuum conditions.