Characteristic X Rays: Understanding Atom Reversion

In summary, the question asks how the atom in the target of an x-ray production experiment transitions back to a normal state after an accelerated electron knocks out a k-electron and a L-electron fills the vacancy, leaving another vacancy. This process continues in series until the atom is neutralized, potentially through a physical connection to ground or the air. This information was not found in the book or through internet search.
  • #1
Viona
49
12
I was reading about characteristic x rays. I have a question I did not find an answer for it in the book (Concepts of Modern Physics-Sixth Edition-Arthur Beiser) or in the internet search. My question is:
How do the atom in the target (in the x ray production experiment) go to the normal state if the accelerated electron (from the cathode) knocks a k-electron out the atom and L-electron jumps to fill the vacancy there will be another vacancy, Do these transitions from higher levels continue in series till finally the atom ionized?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Viona said:
Do these transitions from higher levels continue in series till finally the atom ionized?

I assume you mean neutralized, not ionized. It will be neutralized by taking an electron at some point. Where that electron comes from could be a physical connection to ground, to the chassis of the device, or even the air if given enough time.
 
  • Like
Likes Viona

1. What are characteristic X-rays?

Characteristic X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that are emitted when electrons in an atom drop from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. This process releases energy in the form of X-rays, which have a specific wavelength and energy level that are unique to each element.

2. How are characteristic X-rays produced?

Characteristic X-rays are produced when electrons in an atom are excited by an external energy source, such as an X-ray beam. This causes the electrons to move to a higher energy level, and when they return to their original energy level, they release energy in the form of X-rays.

3. Why are characteristic X-rays important in understanding atom reversion?

Characteristic X-rays are important in understanding atom reversion because they provide information about the electron configuration of an atom. By analyzing the energy and wavelength of these X-rays, scientists can determine the number of electrons in each energy level, which is crucial in understanding the behavior of atoms during reversion.

4. How do scientists use characteristic X-rays in their research?

Scientists use characteristic X-rays in a technique called X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. This involves bombarding a sample with X-rays and measuring the characteristic X-rays that are emitted. By analyzing the energy and intensity of these X-rays, scientists can identify the elements present in the sample and their relative abundance.

5. Can characteristic X-rays be used to identify unknown elements?

Yes, characteristic X-rays can be used to identify unknown elements. Each element has a unique set of characteristic X-rays, so by analyzing the energy and wavelength of these X-rays, scientists can determine the identity of an unknown element. This is particularly useful in fields such as archaeology and forensics, where identifying unknown substances is important.

Similar threads

I Compton scattering experiment
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
Understanding X-ray Emission: Unraveling the Confusion
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Why Bremsstrahlung <20keV for Tungsten?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
17
Views
2K
Characteristic X-Rays and Energy Bands in Solids
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
8
Views
4K
I Visible light reflection v.s X-Ray reflection
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
2K
How do electrons in tungsten atoms produce X-rays?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
3K
How do we know the mass of an electron?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
28
Views
2K
I X-ray tube to gamma tube question
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
Silver Atom X-Ray Spectra: Kα & L X-Rays?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Understanding X-ray Spectra: Characteristic vs. Background Radiation
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top