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QPage 393: Q7: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 X-Rays Page 393: Q7 Solution: Is it possible that in a Coolidge tube characteristic X-rays…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often assume that observing Lα X‑rays guarantees Kα emission, overlooking that the tube’s accelerating voltage must exceed the K‑shell binding energy. Remember: if the voltage lies between the L‑ and K‑shell ionization thresholds, only L‑series photons are produced; K‑series appear only when $eV$ surpasses the K‑shell binding energy.

Is it possible that in a Coolidge tube characteristic LαL_\alpha X-rays are emitted but not KαK_\alpha X-rays?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** Yes, it is possible. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Characteristic X-rays are emitted when an electron from an outer shell fills a vacancy in an inner shell. If the accelerating voltage is sufficient to knock out an L-shell electron but not a K-shell electron, only L-series X-rays (including L_alpha) will be emitted, and K-series X-rays will be absent [citation:2].

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