Determine the maximum potential difference that may be applied across an X-ray tube with a tungsten target without emitting any characteristic K or L X-rays. The energy levels of the tungsten atom with an ejected electron are as follows. Cell containing vacancy K L M Energy in keV 69.5 11.3 2.3

Step-by-step solution

For characteristic X-rays to be emitted, the incident electrons must possess sufficient kinetic energy to knock out an electron from the respective inner shell of the target atom. From the given data, the energy required to create a vacancy in the K -shell (binding energy of the K -shell) is 69.5 keV , and the energy required to create a vacancy in the L -shell is 11.3 keV . To avoid emitting any characteristic K X-rays, the energy of the incident electrons must be less than 69.5 keV . To avoid emitting any charact