X-ray production, continous and line spectra.

In summary, there are two mechanisms at work in determining the energy required for x-ray emissions: the Bremmmstrahlung (continuous spectrum) and the characteristic line spectra. While the former can have a range of energies, the latter has a higher intensity due to the transition of electrons from an outer to an inner shell. However, it is unclear if this higher intensity is due to the process requiring more energy or simply being the more likely occurrence.
  • #1
binbagsss
1,254
11
Which occurence requires a higher energy?

I don't know much about these but for continous, I think the x-ray is able to get close to the nucleus without interacting with the electrons, is then deflected or stopped by the nucleus and the emitted photon can have a range of energies - 0 to Kemax of the electron. Therefore I would guess that this process requires higher energies ...

However with line spectra, due to emitted x-rays characteristic to the transition of electrons from an outer electron shell to an inner shell of specific energy levels, these x-rays have a greater intensity on the x-ray spectra, producing peaks. Indicating a higher intensity... but is this higher intensity due to the fact that this is the more likely occurence as a pose to because the process requires more energy?

Thanks a lot =]
 
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  • #2
Good question but remember that there are two mechanisms at work:
1.The one responsible for the Bremmmstrahlung(the continuous spectrum)
2.The one responsible for the characteristic line spectra
At each of the lines energy is being emitted due to both mechanisms so the overall intensity will be greater
 
  • #3
Dadface said:
Good question but remember that there are two mechanisms at work:
1.The one responsible for the Bremmmstrahlung(the continuous spectrum)
2.The one responsible for the characteristic line spectra
At each of the lines energy is being emitted due to both mechanisms so the overall intensity will be greater

haha, off course :D
Thanks a lot =]

But which is the most likely occurence anyway and requires the most energy? :)
 

1. What is X-ray production?

X-ray production is the process of generating X-rays, a type of electromagnetic radiation, through the interaction of high-energy electrons with matter. This can occur through various methods such as accelerating electrons in a vacuum tube or bombarding a metal target with electrons.

2. How is continuous X-ray spectrum produced?

Continuous X-ray spectrum is produced when high-energy electrons are accelerated and collide with a metal target, causing them to decelerate rapidly. This results in the emission of X-rays with a range of energies, creating a continuous spectrum.

3. What is the difference between continuous and line spectra?

Continuous spectra contain a wide range of wavelengths, while line spectra only contain specific, discrete wavelengths. Continuous spectra are produced by the interaction of high-energy electrons with matter, while line spectra are produced by the excitation and de-excitation of atoms or molecules.

4. How is line spectrum produced?

Line spectrum is produced when atoms or molecules are excited to higher energy levels and then return to their ground state, emitting a photon with a specific wavelength. This can occur through various methods such as heating a gas or passing an electric current through a gas.

5. What is the significance of X-ray spectra in scientific research and medical imaging?

X-ray spectra play a crucial role in scientific research and medical imaging as they provide valuable information about the composition and structure of materials. The unique patterns of X-ray spectra can be used to identify elements present in a sample, and in medical imaging, X-rays can penetrate through soft tissues to produce images of bones and other structures inside the body.

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