What type of radiation primarily occurs when electrons are stopped or slowed down in a target atom?

When electrons are stopped or slowed down in a target atom, the primary type of radiation produced is X-ray radiation. This process occurs during x-ray production when high-energy electrons collide with a metal target (often made of tungsten). As these electrons enter the target, they undergo rapid deceleration, and this sudden change in velocity leads to the emission of energy in the form of X-rays.

This phenomenon can be attributed to two mechanisms: characteristic radiation and Bremsstrahlung (or "braking" radiation). In characteristic radiation, the incoming electrons displace inner-shell electrons from the target atom, causing transitions of outer-shell electrons and the release of energy as X-rays. Bremsstrahlung refers to the electromagnetic radiation produced when electrons are deflected by the nucleus of the target atoms, losing energy in the form of X-rays as they change direction.

The other types of radiation listed do not primarily occur from the stopping or slowing of electrons in a target atom. Beta radiation involves the emission of beta particles (electrons or positrons) from radioactive decay, neutron radiation involves free neutrons emitted during nuclear reactions, and photon radiation is a general term that includes many forms of electromagnetic radiation, but does not specifically derive from the interaction of electrons with matter as