Question

The energy of a photon of a characteristic X-ray from a Coolidge tube 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

Answer:

Option B

Explanation:

Answer 2

(d) From a Coolidge tube, the energy of a photon comes from an atomic transition in the target.

Explanation:

• The emission of electrons take place in an x-ray tube by the filament. By applying an electric field, these electrons are made to hit the filament between the target and the filament.
• As a consequence, the electrons’ kinetic energy is lost to the target atom. The utilization of the energy is done by the target atoms to blow down an electron from the innermost shell.

• As a result of this, a transition is made by the electron to this vacant shell from the higher energy state. Because of this transition, the energy difference of two states provides characteristic x-ray photon.