The Wavelength of X-Rays Produced by 80kV Electrons

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the wavelength of X-rays produced by electrons accelerated at 80kV in an X-ray tube. The subject area includes concepts from quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, particularly focusing on the relationship between energy and wavelength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the wavelength using different formulas and are questioning the correctness of their units and expressions. There is a focus on verifying the calculations and understanding the relationships between energy, voltage, and wavelength.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance regarding unit checks and the formulation of the equations. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations, with multiple interpretations of the units being discussed. No explicit consensus has been reached regarding the correctness of the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential issues with unit conversions and the assumptions underlying the formulas used. There is a mention of the need to clarify the relationship between energy in electron volts and wavelength in nanometers.

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X-ray tubes used by dentists can have voltages as high as 80kV to accelerate the elecrons to produce the X-rays. What is the most lowest wavelength that can be produced by such electons?

This problem seems almost too easy... i need a check

[tex]\lamba = \frac{1.24x10^3 V^{-1} nm}{80kV}[/tex]

[tex]\lamba = 0.0155 nm[/tex]
 
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Check the units in your expression.
 
i thought wavelengths were in nm? why do I get units of nm/v^2?
 
the numerator should be 1240eVnm
 
I am stil getting [tex]\lambda = 0.0155 nm[/tex]

I used the formula [tex]\lambda=\frac{h*c}{80kV*e}[/tex]

and I got the same results. am I doing this correctly?
 
what Tide said. Look at your units. Carefully.
 
ignoring the first part, and using:

[tex]\lambda=\frac{h*c}{80kV*e}[/tex]
(eV*s*m/s)/(V*m/s)

should it be in units of (eV*s)/V ?? shouldn't it be in meters?
 

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