What percent of electrons that travel through the x-ray tube gets converted into electromagnetic energy?

In an x-ray tube, the majority of the kinetic energy of the electrons is not converted into x-rays; instead, a significant portion is transformed into heat through interactions with the anode. Typically, around 1% of the energy from the electrons contributes to the production of x-ray photons, which is a relatively small efficiency rate for x-ray generation. This conversion occurs when high-energy electrons collide with the target material (usually tungsten), causing the ejection of inner-shell electrons and resulting in the emission of x-rays.

The other percentages mentioned indicate an unrealistic scenario where a larger proportion of the energy would convert into x-rays, which does not align with practical observations and designs of x-ray tubes. Thus, the correct interpretation of the efficiency of x-ray production highlights that only about 1% of electrons’ energy is converted into the desired electromagnetic energy, which is why this is the correct answer.