K-alpha xrays, potential difference

Click For Summary
To estimate the minimum potential difference required to observe K-alpha X-rays of copper, an electron must be knocked from the 1s orbital, which necessitates an incoming electron with sufficient energy. The calculation used the equation E_n = -Z^2 R_∞/n^2, resulting in a value of 11,441 eV for copper (Z=29) when n=1. This value, when converted to kilovolts, rounds to 11 kV, aligning with the answer provided in the textbook. The approach and formula applied in the calculation are confirmed to be correct. Therefore, the estimation is accurate and effectively meets the problem's requirements.
mateomy
Messages
305
Reaction score
0
Just want someone to check my work. I suspect I didn't do it right.The question is from Krane's Modern Physics Chapter 8, prob. 9In an X-ray tube electrons strike a target after being accelerated through a potential difference V. Estimate the minimum value of V required to observe the K_\alpha X rays of copper.

Well, I know that in order to have the emission of a K-alpha x-ray an electron from 1s would need to be "knocked" from its place. And that can only be achieved by an incoming particle (in this case another electron) of the same energy level. So what I did was utilize this equation:

<br /> E_n = \frac{-Z^2 R_\infty}{n^2}<br />

I got a value of 11,441 eV, using Z=29, the Rydberg constant, and n=1. The back of the book says 11 kV. I know initially it says "estimate.." so I'm wondering if I got it right or if it was coincidentally close to the back-of-the-book answer. And if wrong, what would be a better line of attack.

Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
11,441 eV, rounded to keV, is just 11 keV, and this corresponds to 11 kV.
And your formula looks good.
 
Awesome. Thanks!
 
(a) The polarisation pattern is elliptical with maximum (1,1) and minimum (-1,-1), and anticlockwise in direction. (b) I know the solution is a quarter-wave plate oriented π/4, and half-wave plate at π/16, but don't understand how to reach there. I've obtained the polarisation vector (cos π/8, isin π/8) so far. I can't find much online guidance or textbook material working through this topic, so I'd appreciate any help I can get. Also, if anyone could let me know where I can get more...

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
11K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K