Which component acts as the target for high-energy electrons to produce X-rays?

• A. Filament
• B. Glass envelope
• C. Anode
• D. Cathode

Answer: (C)

The target for high-energy electrons to produce X-rays is the anode, the positively charged electrode inside the X-ray tube. When the tube is energized, the heated filament at the cathode emits electrons, which are then accelerated toward the anode by the high voltage. Upon striking the anode target, the electrons transfer much of their energy to the target atoms, and a small fraction escapes as X-ray photons. The anode is made of a high atomic number material (like tungsten) to optimize X-ray production and withstand the intense heat from electron bombardment. The resulting X-rays originate at the target material itself, not from the filament, cathode, or the glass envelope.