How Does the Photoelectric Effect Apply to X-ray Tube Mechanisms?

[rey242]

Homework Statement

In an xray tube, a potential diff. of 70000v is applied across two electrodes. Electrons are emmited from cathode and acc. to anode, where x-rays are produced.
my question is if the photoelectric effect problems apply and how they apply.
(i.e use work function or E=hf)

questions on paper
a)find max frequency
b)find max momentum

Homework Equations

h=hf
Kmax = hf-Wo

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Astronuc]

In an X-ray device, electrons are accelerated via a potential difference (here 70 kV) and those electrons will ionize atoms in the target electrode. X-rays arise from atomic electrons 'refilling' the K-level and in some cases L-level shells.

One needs to look at the binding energy of K electrons to determine the energy of X-rays for those particular elements.

Those X-rays can certainly interact by the photo-electric effect, and knock out another electron. One may wish to look into "Auger electrons", or the "Auger effect".

Another phenomenon is the brehmsstrahlung radiation.

 

[rey242]

Thanks

Thanks for your help, I get it now.