Final answer:
X-rays are produced when a beam of electrons collides with a metal target in an X-ray tube. This collision results in the conversion of the electrons' kinetic energy to various forms, including x-ray photons. This process occurs in cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and can also be achieved by bombarding a metal target with high-energy electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
X-rays are a high-energy radiation produced by the collision of a beam of electrons with a metal target in an X-ray tube.
When electrons emitted from a hot filament are accelerated through a high voltage and strike the anode, they convert their kinetic energy to various forms, including thermal energy. Due to the acceleration of the electrons, they radiate electromagnetic waves and produce photons, including x-ray photons that obtain the kinetic energy of the electron. This process occurs in cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which can be found in older TV and computer screens as well as in x-ray machines.
Another way to produce x-rays is by bombarding a metal target with high-energy electrons. In this process, the electrons are boiled off a filament and accelerated into a tungsten target, emitting braking radiation when they suddenly slow down upon striking the target.