Characteristic X-Ray Kα & Kβ Line Energies

[nmsurobert]

Homework Statement

What are the energies of the characteristic K_α line and K_β lines?

Homework Equations

K-shell ( n =1):-69.5 keV
L-shell ( n =2 ): -11.3 keV
M-shell ( n =3 ): -2.30 keV
Z = 74
E = (energy level) (Z-1)²/n²

The Attempt at a Solution

for alpha i have
(-11.3keV) (74-1)²/2² for n =2

i know to find the energy characteristic i need to go from n=1 to n=2. so i know E = E₁-E₂
but for n=1 do use the energy level of the Kshell or the energy level of the Lshell?
in the lecture notes the instructed used the same energy level but didnt specify which one.

 

[andrevdh]

The emmission occur when the electron transits from a higher energy level to a lower energy level,
eg E₂ -E₁
The K_α line is produced by transitions from the L to the K shell and the K_β for transitions
from the M to the K shell - see HyperPhysics X-ray transitions.

 

[nmsurobert]

Ok thank you. So it's E₂-E₁? My instructor did it the other way.

But I still don't know which energy level to use. Like I said my instructor used the same energy level twice. She didn't specify if it was the Kshell or the Lshell.

 

[BvU]

The picture Andrevs link is clear enough !
K_α radiation is emitted when the energy of the electron goes down from E₂ = -11.3 keV to E₁ = -69.5 keV

 

[nmsurobert]

ok i get it guys. i was misinterpreting the question as well as the procedure to solve it.

 

[nmsurobert]

thank you!

 

[BvU]

You're welcome.