Which component of the x-ray tube is responsible for the production of x-rays?

The anode is the component of the x-ray tube responsible for the production of x-rays. This occurs when electrons emitted from the cathode are accelerated towards the anode. As these high-energy electrons collide with the anode material, typically made of tungsten, they transfer their energy to the atoms of the anode. This interaction generates x-rays through two primary mechanisms: characteristic radiation and Bremsstrahlung radiation.

Characteristic radiation occurs when the high-energy electrons knock out inner-shell electrons from the atoms in the anode, causing an electron from a higher energy level to fall into that vacancy. This transition releases energy in the form of x-rays. Bremsstrahlung radiation occurs when the high-energy electrons are decelerated as they pass near the nucleus of the anode atoms, resulting in the emission of x-rays.

While the tube housing and glass envelope play essential roles in isolating the components and maintaining a vacuum to prevent scattering of electrons, they do not directly produce x-rays. The cathode provides the necessary electrons but does not contribute to x-ray production directly; its role is primarily to generate and direct electrons towards the anode. Thus, the anode's function as the target for these electrons is crucial for creating x-rays in the x