Question

The energy of a photon of a characteristic X-ray from a Coolidge tube comes from
(a) the kinetic energy of the striking electron
(b) the kinetic energy of the free electrons of the target
(c) the kinetic energy of the ions of the target
(d) an atomic transition in the target

Answer 1

(d) an atomic transition in the target

In an X-ray tube, electrons are emitted by the filament. These electrons are made to strike the filament by applying an electric field between the filament and the target. As a result of it, the kinetic energy of the electrons is lost to the target atoms. This energy is utilised by the target atoms to knock out an electron from the innermost shell. Consequently, the electron makes a transition from the higher energy state to this vacant shell. Due to this transition, the difference of energy of the two states gives photon of characteristic X-ray.