Which component of the x-ray tube is responsible for the emission of electrons?

The component of the x-ray tube responsible for the emission of electrons is the cathode. The cathode is made up of a filament that, when heated, produces electrons through a process called thermionic emission. This occurs when the filament is heated to a high temperature, causing electrons to be released from its surface.

Once emitted, these electrons are directed toward the anode, where they can interact to produce x-rays. The cathode plays a critical role in creating the electron cloud necessary for the x-ray production process. In contrast, the anode serves as a target for these electrons and does not generate electrons itself. Filtration is used to remove lower-energy x-rays from the beam to improve image quality and safety but has no role in electron emission. The control panel simply allows the operator to manipulate the machine settings, including exposure time and tube current, but it does not emit electrons.

Thus, it is clear that the cathode is the essential component that emits electrons in the x-ray tube system.