The negative portion of the vacuum tube is known as the ________?

In a vacuum tube, the negative portion is referred to as the cathode. The cathode plays a crucial role in the process of generating X-rays. It is typically heated, which causes it to emit electrons due to thermionic emission. These emitted electrons then travel towards the anode, where they collide to produce X-rays.

Understanding the function of the cathode is essential for grasping how X-ray production occurs in dental radiography. The cathode's role in creating a stream of electrons is fundamental to the operation of the X-ray tube, making it an integral component in producing the diagnostic imaging that dentists rely on.