One side of the x-ray beam is stronger because some of the radiation created in the x-ray tube is absorbed by the:

The correct answer is the anode, which plays a crucial role in the process of x-ray production. In an x-ray tube, the anode is made of a material that has high atomic number and high melting point, typically tungsten. This material is designed to efficiently convert electrons into x-rays. However, during this process, some of the radiation generated does indeed get absorbed by the anode itself.

When the high-speed electrons collide with the anode, a portion of their energy is converted into x-ray photons, while another portion generates heat, which is absorbed by the anode. The x-ray beam created is thus not uniform; one side (the side closer to the anode) has a reduced intensity as a result of this absorption effect. This phenomenon is known as the anode heel effect, where the intensity of the x-ray beam is greater on the cathode side and weaker on the anode side due to this absorption.

Understanding this principle is essential for optimizing x-ray imaging and for positioning patients to maximize image quality while minimizing radiation dose.