During the production of x-rays, what happens to the free electrons as they approach the target?

During the production of x-rays, free electrons that are generated in the x-ray tube are subjected to a high voltage, which causes them to accelerate towards the target material, typically made of tungsten. As these electrons gain kinetic energy from the acceleration, they eventually strike the target with significant energy. Upon impact, their kinetic energy is converted into electromagnetic energy, which manifests as x-rays.

This process is fundamental to x-ray production and relies on the principles of physics regarding charged particles and their interactions with matter. The high-speed collision of the electrons with the target atoms leads to excitation and ionization processes, ultimately resulting in the emission of x-rays. Thus, the correct answer underscores the critical relationship between the acceleration of electrons and the generation of x-ray photons in medical imaging and radiation therapy contexts.