NEET2003PhysicsElectromagnetic WavesActual
Characteristic X-rays are produced due to
Options
- Atransfer of momentum in collision of electrons with target atoms
- Btransition of electron from higher to lower electrons orbits in an atom
- Cheating of the target
- Dtransfer of energy in collision of electrons with atoms in the target.
Correct answer
B. transition of electron from higher to lower electrons orbits in an atom
Step-by-step solution
When the high energy electron hits the target and takes out an electron from the inner orbit, there is a possibility of an outer electron to fall down to fill up that vacancy. And when such a transition of electron takes place from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, the difference of energy between the two levels is given off in the form of radiation known as characteristic X-rays.