Which component primarily accelerates electrons toward the target?

• A. Cathode
• B. Anode
• C. Filament
• D. Glass envelope

Answer: (B)

In this setup, electrons gain speed from the electric field created by the tube’s high voltage, with the positive electrode pulling them toward the target. The element that does the accelerating is the anode, since it is held at a high positive potential and serves to attract and accelerate the electrons as they travel to the focal spot on the target where x-rays are generated. The filament at the cathode mainly provides electrons by heating and emitting them, not the acceleration itself. The glass envelope is just the vacuum enclosure and does not contribute to accelerating the electrons.