Characteristic X-rays are produced by:
Correct answer: C. Electrons
- A. Photons
- B. All of these
- C. Electrons
- D. Protons
Explanation
Characteristic x-rays are radiations "characteristic" of a particular material. They are produced when the atoms of such materials are excited by collision with fast-moving electrons. These collisions knock out electrons from the inner shells of the atoms. Loosely bound electrons in the outer shells fall into fill the now-vacated spaces. This "jumping" releases a photon of energy equal to the energy difference of the outer shell and the inner shell (from which an electron is knocked out). This radiation is known as characteristic X-rays.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Atomic Spectra
Atoms emit or absorb light at specific wavelengths because electrons occupy quantized energy levels and change levels by absorbing or releasing photons. The topic covers emission and absorption spectra, spectral series, hydrogen’s line spectrum, energy-level transitions, and the relation between wavelength, frequency and photon energy.
Practise Atomic Spectra
356 free Atomic Spectra MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.