X-rays are created by the movement of which particles?

X-rays are produced primarily through the rapid movement of electrons. In diagnostic imaging systems, the fundamental process involves the acceleration of electrons, typically generated in a cathode within an x-ray tube. When these high-energy electrons collide with a target material—commonly tungsten—within the x-ray tube, they undergo a rapid deceleration, resulting in the emission of energy in the form of x-rays.

This process takes advantage of the interactions between accelerated electrons and the atomic structure of the target material. The significant energy change during this interaction leads to the generation of x-ray photons. This is foundational to radiography and medical imaging, illustrating the critical role of electrons in producing x-rays.

The other particles listed—protons, neutrons, and molecules—do not play a direct role in x-ray production. Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom and are involved in nuclear reactions but do not contribute to the generation of x-rays in the same manner as electrons. Molecules, which are made up of atoms, do not directly produce x-rays; rather, x-rays interact with molecules when used in medical imaging but are not created by them. Thus, the movement of electrons is the key factor in x-ray production.