Which component of the x-ray tube is the source of x-rays?

Which component of the x-ray tube is the source of x-rays?

• A. Anode
• B. Cathode
• C. Filament
• D. Glass envelope

Answer: (A)

X-rays come from the target material in the anode. When the heated filament in the cathode emits electrons, those electrons are accelerated toward the anode by the applied voltage. Upon striking the atoms in the anode target, their interactions produce x-ray photons. The filament and cathode merely supply electrons, while the glass envelope is just the vacuum enclosure; neither is the source of the radiation.

X-rays come from the target material in the anode. When the heated filament in the cathode emits electrons, those electrons are accelerated toward the anode by the applied voltage. Upon striking the atoms in the anode target, their interactions produce x-ray photons. The filament and cathode merely supply electrons, while the glass envelope is just the vacuum enclosure; neither is the source of the radiation.