Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- X-rays
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · X-rays
In a Coolidge tube, the energy of a characteristic X-ray photon is...
In a Coolidge tube, the energy of a characteristic X-ray photon is derived from
Options
- Athe kinetic energy of the free electrons in the target
- Bthe kinetic energy of the impinging electron
- Cthe kinetic energy of the ions in the target
- Dan atomic transition within the target
Correct answer
D. an atomic transition within the target
Step-by-step solution
Characteristic X-rays are produced when an inner-shell electron of a target atom is knocked out by a high-energy incident electron, creating a vacancy in the inner shell.
An electron from a higher energy level of the target atom then transitions to fill this vacancy.
The energy of the emitted characteristic X-ray photon is exactly equal to the difference in energy between these two atomic levels.
Therefore, the energy of a characteristic X-ray photon is derived from an atomic transition within the target.
An electron from a higher energy level of the target atom then transitions to fill this vacancy.
The energy of the emitted characteristic X-ray photon is exactly equal to the difference in energy between these two atomic levels.
Therefore, the energy of a characteristic X-ray photon is derived from an atomic transition within the target.