Question

The gold leaf electroscope is charged so that its leaves somewhat diverge. If X-rays are incident on the electroscope , then

• A. the divergence will decrease
• B. the divergence of leaves will remain unchanged
• C. the gold leaves will melt
• D. the divergence will increase

Answer 1

The correct option is A the divergence will decrease

X-rays were ionizing radiation and they create ions when they pass through air. A gold leaf electroscope exposed to the x-rays would lose its charge, as the newly created ions were attracted to the charged leaves. Hence the divergence will decrease.