Which type of radiation production constitutes the majority of the X-ray beam?

Brehmsstrahlung radiation, often referred to as "brems radiation," constitutes the majority of the X-ray beam produced in diagnostic imaging. This type of radiation is generated when high-speed electrons are decelerated upon interaction with the nucleus of target atoms, typically tungsten, in the X-ray tube. As the electrons lose energy, this energy is emitted in the form of X-ray photons.

The reason bremsstrahlung radiation predominates is closely tied to the nature of X-ray production. When electrons strike the anode, a significant portion of their kinetic energy is converted into bremsstrahlung radiation. This process effectively generates a broad spectrum of X-ray energies, which is beneficial for various imaging applications, as it provides a range of wavelengths that allows for optimal penetration and contrast in tissues.

Other forms of interaction, such as characteristic radiation, occur when an inner-shell electron is ejected from the atom and an outer-shell electron fills the vacancy, resulting in the emission of X-ray photons with specific energies. However, this process accounts for a smaller proportion of the overall X-ray beam compared to bremsstrahlung radiation.

Compton scattering and the photoelectric effect describe interactions of X-rays with matter rather than forms of radiation production. Com