X rays are produced when

Correct answer: A. electrons are slowed down suddenly on striking a metal target

  • A. electrons are slowed down suddenly on striking a metal target
  • B. a metal is heated to a very high temperature
  • C. light is passed through a prism
  • D. a nucleus decays

Explanation

Fast electrons decelerating in the target emit a continuous spectrum of X rays known as bremsstrahlung, and knocking out inner shell electrons produces sharp characteristic lines on top of it. The efficiency is low, so most of the electron energy becomes heat and the target must be cooled. Gamma rays are similar radiation but originate in the nucleus instead.

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Quantum theory treats electromagnetic radiation as packets of energy called photons, with energy proportional to frequency through E equals hf. The topic covers Planck's hypothesis, photon momentum, the photoelectric effect, threshold frequency, work function and wave particle duality, distinguishing quantised energy exchange from classical continuous radiation.

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