When electrons are stopped by the nucleus, what type of radiation is produced?

When electrons are brought to a sudden stop, particularly by the strong positive charge of a nucleus, Bremsstrahlung radiation is produced. This phenomenon occurs due to the deceleration of the electrons as they approach the nucleus, resulting in the emission of energy in the form of X-ray photons. The term "Bremsstrahlung" is derived from German, meaning "braking radiation," which accurately describes the process where the kinetic energy lost by the electrons is converted into electromagnetic radiation.

In the context of radiography, this type of radiation is essential as it forms a significant part of the X-ray spectrum generated in X-ray machines. Bremsstrahlung radiation is particularly relevant when high-energy electrons interact with metal targets, such as tungsten, which is commonly used in X-ray tubes. The emission of these X-rays is crucial for imaging as they penetrate tissues and are absorbed at different rates, allowing for the visualization of dental structures.

While other types of radiation, such as X-ray radiation, beta radiation, and gamma radiation, exist, they arise from different processes. X-ray radiation can include Bremsstrahlung but does not specifically refer to the stopping of electrons by nuclear forces. Beta radiation involves the emission of electrons or positrons from a radioactive decay process