Question

Find the maximum potential difference which may be applied across an X-ray tube with tungsten target without emitting any characteristic K or L X-ray. The energy levels of the tungsten atom with an electron knocked out are as follows. Cell containing vacancy
K
L
M
Energy in keV
69.5
11.3
2.3

Answer 1

The maximum potential difference is 11.3 kV that can be applied across the tube of x-ray without the emission of any L x-ray or characteristic K x-ray.

Explanation:

• Let us consider that the required potential that could be applied across the tube of x-ray without any emission of L x-ray or characteristic K-ray be V.
• Therefore, the electron’s energy = eV
• It is to be observed that this level of energy equals the L shell’s energy.
• Thus, the applied potential difference at maximum level without the emission of any electron is 11.3 kV.