What is the energy of a K x-ray photon in tantalum

In summary, a K x-ray photon is a type of electromagnetic radiation produced when an electron from the K shell of an atom transitions to a lower energy state, emitting a photon of energy. The energy of a K x-ray photon varies depending on the element and specific energy level of the electron transition, with tantalum having an energy of approximately 57.5 keV. This energy is determined by the difference between the K shell and lower energy state, and tantalum is specifically mentioned due to its common use in x-ray tubes and high atomic number. The energy of a K x-ray photon in tantalum is relatively high compared to other elements, but may vary depending on the specific element and transition.
  • #1
MrDMD83
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Homework Statement



The atomic number of tantalum is Z = 73. According to the Bohr model, what is the energy (in joules) of a K X-ray photon?

Homework Equations



Energy= -(13.6 eV)Z^2/n^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know what to use for n
 
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  • #2
What is the definition of a K x-ray transition? That should give you the answer.
 
  • #3
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To find the energy of a K x-ray photon in tantalum, we can use the equation:

E = hc/λ

Where:
- E is the energy of the photon
- h is the Planck's constant (6.626 x 10^-34 Joule seconds)
- c is the speed of light (3 x 10^8 meters per second)
- λ is the wavelength of the photon

To find the wavelength of a K x-ray photon, we can use the equation:

λ = hc/E

Where:
- λ is the wavelength of the photon
- h is the Planck's constant
- c is the speed of light
- E is the energy of the photon (in Joules)

To find the energy of a K x-ray photon in tantalum, we need to know the wavelength of the photon. This can be calculated using the atomic number (Z) and the Rydberg constant (R). The Rydberg constant for K x-ray photons is 0.0124 nm^-1.

Therefore, the wavelength of a K x-ray photon in tantalum is:

λ = hc/E = (6.626 x 10^-34 J.s)(3 x 10^8 m/s)/(0.0124 nm^-1) = 5.35 x 10^-11 meters

Now, we can use this wavelength to calculate the energy of the photon:

E = hc/λ = (6.626 x 10^-34 J.s)(3 x 10^8 m/s)/(5.35 x 10^-11 m) = 3.7 x 10^-15 Joules

Therefore, the energy of a K x-ray photon in tantalum is 3.7 x 10^-15 Joules.
 

1. What is a K x-ray photon?

A K x-ray photon is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is produced when an electron from the K shell of an atom transitions to a lower energy state, emitting a photon of energy.

2. What is the energy of a K x-ray photon?

The energy of a K x-ray photon varies depending on the element and the specific energy level of the electron transition. In the case of tantalum, the energy of a K x-ray photon is approximately 57.5 keV (kilo-electron volts).

3. How is the energy of a K x-ray photon determined?

The energy of a K x-ray photon is determined by the difference in energy between the K shell and the lower energy state that the electron transitions to. This difference in energy is then converted into a photon of electromagnetic radiation.

4. Why is tantalum specifically mentioned in this question?

Tantalum is a commonly used element in the production of x-ray tubes, which are used to generate x-rays for medical imaging and other applications. Additionally, tantalum has a high atomic number, making it effective for producing high energy x-rays.

5. How does the energy of a K x-ray photon in tantalum compare to other elements?

The energy of a K x-ray photon in tantalum is relatively high compared to other elements, as tantalum has a high atomic number and thus a larger energy difference between the K shell and lower energy states. However, the exact energy can vary depending on the specific element and electron transition being considered.

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