Question

Consider a photon of a continuous X-ray coming from a Coolidge tube. Its energy comes from
(a) the kinetic energy of the striking electron
(b) the kinetic energy of the free electrons of the target
(c) the kinetic energy of the ions of the target
(d) an atomic transition in the target

Answer 1

Explanation:

Consider a photon of a continuous X-ray coming from a Coolidge tube. Its energy comes from

(a) the kinetic energy of the striking electron

(b) the kinetic energy of the free electrons of the target

(c) the kinetic energy of the ions of the target

(d) an atomic transition in the target

Answer 2

The energy comes from striking electron’s kinetic energy.

Explanation:

• When a filament is heated, the emission of electrons happens in an x-ray tube.
• The electric field is generated between the target and the filament by a DC battery. This makes the electrons strike the target atoms with more speed.
• This results in the drop of kinetic energy from the electrons and it leads to photon ejection. This results in the non-stop x-ray emission.