What type of radiation does bremsstrahlung refer to?

Bremsstrahlung, which is a German term meaning "braking radiation," refers specifically to the radiation produced when charged particles, such as electrons, are decelerated or deflected by the strong electric fields of atomic nuclei. As these high-energy electrons interact with matter, their speed decreases, resulting in the emission of energy in the form of X-ray photons. This mechanism plays a critical role in various applications within medical imaging and radiation therapy, particularly in the production of X-rays in radiological equipment.

In contrast, thermal radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation emitted by all matter that has a temperature greater than absolute zero, while alpha and beta radiation pertain to specific types of particle emissions resulting from radioactive decay. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei emitted from heavy elements, and beta radiation involves the emission of electrons or positrons from unstable nuclei. Therefore, bremsstrahlung is distinct from these other forms of radiation, underscoring why the term "braking radiation" aptly describes it.