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QPages 393-394: Q3: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 X-Rays Pages 393-394: Q3 Solution: The energy of a photon of a characteristic X-ray from a…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often mistake the source of characteristic X‑rays for the kinetic energy of the incident electrons, as they do for Bremsstrahlung; remember that characteristic photons arise from inner‑shell electron transitions in the target atom, not directly from the electron’s kinetic energy (though the electron must have enough energy to create the vacancy).

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

Multiple Choice Options

  • 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

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (d) an atomic transition in the target. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Characteristic X-rays are produced when electrons transition between inner shells of the target atoms.

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