X-rays originating from a Coolidge tube have a cutoff wavelength of 80 pm . Determine the kinetic energy of the electrons striking the target.

Step-by-step solution

The cutoff wavelength _ min of X-rays is related to the maximum kinetic energy K of the striking electrons by the equation: K = hc _ min Given _ min = 80 pm = 0.08 nm . Using the standard value hc 1240 eV nm , we get: K = 1240 eV nm 0.08 nm K = 15500 eV = 15.5 keV