Question

Consider a photon of continuous X-ray and a photon of characteristic X-ray of the same wavelength. Which of the following is/are different for the two photons ?

• A. Frequency
• B. Energy
• C. Penetrating power
• D. Method of creation

Answer 1

The correct option is D Method of creation

Answer should be option (d) Method of creation

Let ${\lambda }_1$ and ${\lambda }_2$ be the wavelength of the photons of continuous and characteristic X-rays, respectively.

Given:

${\lambda }_1={\lambda }_2={\lambda }_3$

Now, frequency (ν) is given by

V = $\frac{c}{\lambda }$

Hence, the frequency of both the photons is the same.
Energy of a photon (E) is given by

$E=h\nu$
As the frequency of both the photons is the same, they will have the same energy.
The photon of the continuous X-ray and the photon of the characteristic X-ray consist of the same penetrating power.
The photon of the characteristic X-ray is created because of the transition of an electron from one shell to another. The photon of the continuous X-ray is created because of the conversion of the kinetic energy of an electron into a photon of electromagnetic radiation.