What constitutes the greatest portion of the x-ray beam produced?

The greatest portion of the x-ray beam produced is primarily comprised of Bremsstrahlung radiation. This type of radiation occurs when high-speed electrons are decelerated or deflected by the nuclei of target atoms in the x-ray tube. As these electrons pass near the positively charged nuclei, they lose energy, which is emitted in the form of x-rays. This process accounts for about 70-90% of the total x-ray production in typical diagnostic imaging.

Bremsstrahlung radiation is fundamental to understanding how x-ray machines operate, as it is the primary mechanism through which energy produced by electron acceleration is transformed into useful diagnostic x-ray photons. Recognizing that this type of radiation predominates over others, such as characteristic radiation or scattered radiation, provides a clearer understanding of how x-ray techniques are effectively utilized in medical imaging.