What are characteristic X-rays?
Understand the Problem
The question asks for the definition of Characteristic X-rays. This requires understanding of X-ray production and atomic physics.
Answer
Characteristic X-rays are photons emitted by an ionized atom when an electron fills an inner-shell vacancy.
The final answer is E. They are photons that are emitted by an ionised atom.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is E. They are photons that are emitted by an ionised atom.
More Information
Characteristic X-rays are produced when an electron from an outer shell fills a vacancy in an inner shell of an atom that has been ionized. The transition of the electron to the lower energy level results in the emission of an X-ray photon with a specific energy characteristic of the target material.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing characteristic X-rays with Bremsstrahlung radiation, which produces a continuous spectrum of X-ray energies.
Sources
- Characteristic X-ray - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Characteristic X-ray - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Characteristic radiation | Radiology Reference Article - Radiopaedia - radiopaedia.org
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