Moderate

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.

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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.

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356 free Atomic Spectra MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

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