What occurs when electrons are accelerated in an x-ray tube?

When electrons are accelerated in an x-ray tube, they move rapidly toward the anode. The process begins when a high voltage is applied across the cathode and anode, creating an electric field that accelerates the electrons emitted from the cathode toward the anode. This rapid movement is essential for the creation of x-rays, as the electrons collide with the anode material at high speed, resulting in the production of x-ray photons through mechanisms such as bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation.

This rapid motion is a fundamental aspect of the operation of x-ray tubes and is crucial for the generation of high-energy x-rays used in medical imaging. The kinetic energy gained by the electrons as they are accelerated directly correlates to the energy of the x-rays produced upon their collision with the anode.