Final answer:
The decrease in electric potential energy between an electron and an atomic nucleus results in a decrease in kinetic energy for the electron. The emitted bremsstrahlung x-rays are produced as a result of this decrease in kinetic energy, but they do not provide the increase in energy outside of the electron-nucleus system.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an electron gets closer to an atomic nucleus, the electric potential energy between these particles changes and decreases. According to the law of conservation of energy, the decrease in potential energy is compensated by an increase in energy outside of the electron-nucleus system. This increase in energy is not provided by the emitted bremsstrahlung x-rays, but rather by the electric field that accelerates the electron towards the nucleus.
The emitted bremsstrahlung x-rays are produced as a result of the electron's loss of kinetic energy. When the electron decelerates near the nucleus, it emits electromagnetic waves, including x-rays, due to its acceleration. These x-rays have high energy levels and a broad spectrum, but they are not responsible for the increase in energy outside of the electron-nucleus system.
So, to summarize, as the electron gets closer to the atomic nucleus, its electric potential energy decreases, leading to a decrease in kinetic energy. The emitted bremsstrahlung x-rays are a result of this decrease in kinetic energy, but they do not provide the increase in energy outside of the electron-nucleus system.