Bremsstrahlung x-rays are produced by which of the following processes?

Bremsstrahlung x-rays are produced primarily through the process of decelerating electrons. When high-speed electrons are directed towards a target, they can interact with the nuclei of the atoms in the target material. As these electrons pass near the positive charge of the atomic nuclei, they experience a change in velocity, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy. This energy loss is emitted in the form of x-rays, known as Bremsstrahlung, which translates to "braking radiation" in German.

The phenomenon is crucial in the context of x-ray production in radiology and radiation therapy because it highlights the role of electron dynamics in generating high-energy photons. The efficiency and spectrum of the x-rays produced depend on the energy of the incoming electrons and the atomic number of the target material. This makes the understanding of how electrons behave under these conditions essential for professionals working with x-ray technology.