What can occur when an electron traverses a medium?

When an electron traverses a medium, it can interact with the surrounding material in several ways, and one of those interactions is the complete conversion of an electron into a bremsstrahlung photon during a radiative collision. This phenomenon occurs when a high-energy electron decelerates due to the electric field of nearby atomic nuclei, resulting in the emission of a photon. This process is significant in medical physics and dosimetry, as it contributes to the radiation dose delivered during treatments and affects how electrons interact with matter.

Bremsstrahlung, or "braking radiation," is particularly notable at higher electron energies, where it becomes more probable. The emitted bremsstrahlung photon carries away energy that corresponds to the kinetic energy lost by the electron, demonstrating the intricate relationship between charged particles and electromagnetic radiation in the context of radiation therapy.

In contrast, complete absorption or partial energy absorption involves different types of interactions, such as ionization and elastic scattering, and while no interaction can occur, it is less common for electrons with sufficient energy in the mediums used in radiation therapy. Therefore, the concept of bremsstrahlung is particularly relevant to understanding electron behavior as it travels through a medium.