The positive electrode in the x-ray tube is called what?

• A. Anode
• B. Cathode
• C. Control Panel
• D. Dental Radiography

Answer: (A)

Electrons are emitted from a heated filament at the cathode (the negative side) and are pulled toward the positively charged electrode, the anode. The anode is the target where those high-speed electrons collide; the energy from that collision is converted into X-rays (and heat). In dental X-ray tubes, the anode is typically a rotating tungsten target to dissipate heat efficiently. The other options don’t fit: the cathode is the negative electrode, the control panel is just the interface you use to operate the machine, and dental radiography refers to the field, not a tube component.