What is produced when a projectile electron interacts with the target nucleus?

When a projectile electron interacts with the target nucleus, Bremsstrahlung x-rays are produced. This term, derived from German meaning "braking radiation," describes the process where an electron is deflected by the electric field of the nucleus. As the electron slows down or changes direction due to this interaction, it loses energy, which is then emitted in the form of x-ray photons. The energy of the emitted x-rays corresponds to the amount of energy lost by the electron during this interaction.

Bremsstrahlung x-ray production is a fundamental process in radiology and is particularly important because it accounts for a significant portion of the x-ray spectrum generated in x-ray tubes. When electrons are accelerated and collide with a target (usually made of tungsten), they primarily undergo this interaction, contributing to the x-ray output essential in diagnostic imaging.

Other options like the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering describe different interactions of x-rays with matter rather than the production process of x-rays from the interaction of electrons with the nucleus. Characteristic x-rays occur when an inner-shell electron is ejected and an outer-shell electron transitions to fill the vacancy, which is a different process than what Bremsstrahlung entails. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why Bremsstrahlung is