During x-ray exposure, which side of the x-ray tube is negatively charged?

The cathode side of the x-ray tube is negatively charged. This is significant because the cathode is the source of electrons that are generated by heating the filament. When the tube is energized, the filament becomes hot, and thermionic emission occurs, where electrons are released from the surface of the filament.

These electrons are then accelerated towards the anode, which is positively charged, due to the high voltage difference between the cathode and anode. When these high-energy electrons collide with the anode material, x-rays are produced. The proper functioning of the cathode, as a negatively charged component, is essential for the generation of x-rays during the exposure process, as it initiates the flow of electrons necessary for x-ray production.

The other components mentioned, such as the anode, filament, and detector, do not serve the same purpose in the context of charge during the exposure; hence, their inclusions as options may lead to confusion regarding their respective functions in the x-ray tube operation.