What Is the Minimum Potential Needed to Emit X-Ray Photons of 10^-10 Meters?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the minimum potential required to emit X-ray photons with a specified wavelength of 10^-10 meters. The context is centered around the acceleration of electrons and their subsequent emission of photons upon being stopped.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the energy of the X-ray photons using the equation E=hc/λ. There is uncertainty about the next steps after finding the energy in electron volts. Participants question the appropriate electric potential difference needed to achieve that energy.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the relationship between energy and electric potential, suggesting that the calculated energy can be used to determine the required potential. There is an ongoing exploration of significant figures in the context of the result.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of significant figures in their calculations, which may affect the final expression of the potential. There is also a focus on ensuring clarity in the relationship between energy and potential difference.

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Homework Statement



Electrons are accelerated through a potential V and then they are suddenly stopped and emit photons. Derive the minimal value that the potential should have in order to produce some X-Ray photons of wavelength 10-10m.

Homework Equations


E=hc/λ
V=(h/e)(f-f0)

The Attempt at a Solution


I used E=hc/λ to find the energy of the X ray photons. I found E= 1.989x10-15 = 12431.25 eV

Not sure if I needed to do this or what to do next. All help is appreciated. Thank you.
 
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Hi DarkMatter5, Welcome to Physics Forums!

DarkMatter5 said:

Homework Statement



Electrons are accelerated through a potential V and then they are suddenly stopped and emit photons. Derive the minimal value that the potential should have in order to produce some X-Ray photons of wavelength 10-10m.

Homework Equations


E=hc/λ
V=(h/e)(f-f0)

The Attempt at a Solution


I used E=hc/λ to find the energy of the X ray photons. I found E= 1.989x10-15 = 12431.25 eV

Not sure if I needed to do this or what to do next. All help is appreciated. Thank you.
You have found the energy, and cleverly expressed it in electron volts. What electric potential difference (Volts) should the electron be accelerated through in order to achieve that energy?

By the way, you might want to round your result to suit the given significant figures.
 
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gneill said:
Hi DarkMatter5, Welcome to Physics Forums!You have found the energy, and cleverly expressed it in electron volts. What electric potential difference (Volts) should the electron be accelerated through in order to achieve that energy?

By the way, you might want to round your result to suit the given significant figures.

I guess it would be 12431.25 V? And is it to 1 sig fig? so 1 x 104 V?
 
Yup.
 
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gneill said:
Yup.
Thank you very much!
 

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