Characteristic x-rays can be produced by bombarding targets with electrons.These x-rays occur when:
A)electrons from higher shells fill the vacant lower shell.
B)electrons fill the vacant valence shell.
C)photons are emitted with energies on the order of 103 eV.
D)photons are emitted with wavelengths on the order of 103 nm.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Characteristic x-rays are produced when electrons from higher shells fill a vacant lower shell. This occurs during the relaxation of electrons from higher energy levels to lower energy levels within an atom. As the electron fills the lower shell, it releases energy in the form of an x-ray photon with a characteristic energy and wavelength specific to the atom. The energy of these x-rays is typically on the order of kiloelectronvolts (keV).

Characteristic X-Rays Can Be Produced by Bombarding Targets with Electrons