The voltage needed to accelerate the electrons in the tube head is produced by what?

• A. Battery
• B. Transformer
• C. Generator
• D. High voltage transformer

Answer: (D)

To accelerate electrons to produce X-rays, you need a large potential difference between the tube’s cathode and anode. That high voltage is generated by the high voltage transformer inside the X-ray generator, which steps the mains supply up to the kilovolt range and delivers it to the tube head (often with subsequent rectification and regulation). A battery can’t provide such high voltage, a simple transformer requires a suitable input but isn’t by itself the kilovolt source, and while a generator can supply power, the specific component that creates the necessary high voltage for the tube is the high voltage transformer.