Chapter 39: Problem 40
(I) Show that the cutoff wavelength \(\lambda_{0}\) in an \(X\) -ray spectrum is given by $$\lambda_{0}=\frac{1240}{V} \mathrm{nm}$$ where \(V\) is the \(X\) -ray tube voltage in volts.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The cutoff wavelength \( \lambda_0 \) in an X-ray spectrum is indeed \( \lambda_{0} = \frac{1240}{V} \mathrm{nm} \), showing a direct relationship between wavelength and tube voltage.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Bremsstrahlung Equation
The cutoff wavelength in an X-ray spectrum is related to the maximum photon energy, which occurs during bremsstrahlung when all the kinetic energy of an electron is converted into a single X-ray photon. This energy can be expressed as: \( E = h u = h\frac{c}{\lambda_0} \), where \( E \) is the energy of the photon, \( h \) is Planck's constant, \( u \) is the frequency, and \( c \) is the speed of light in vacuum.
02
Connect Energy and Voltage
The kinetic energy of the electron, which is equal to the energy of the emitted X-ray photon at maximum energy, is \( E = eV \), where \( e \) is the charge of the electron, and \( V \) is the voltage of the X-ray tube. Thus, substituting the expression for energy, we have: \( eV = h\frac{c}{\lambda_0} \).
03
Rearrange to Solve for \( \lambda_0 \)
Rearrange the equation \( eV = h\frac{c}{\lambda_0} \) to solve for \( \lambda_0 \):\[ \lambda_0 = \frac{hc}{eV} \]
04
Substitute Constants
Substitute the known values for the constants into the equation: - \( h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \mathrm{Js} \),- \( c = 3 \times 10^8 \mathrm{m/s} \), and - \( e = 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{C} \). Using these values, you get: \[ \lambda_0 = \frac{(6.626 \times 10^{-34})(3 \times 10^8)}{(1.6 \times 10^{-19})V} \]
05
Simplify the Expression
Calculate the numerator: \( 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \times 3 \times 10^8 = 1.9878 \times 10^{-25} \mathrm{Js} \), and then divide this by \( 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) to simplify:\( \frac{1.9878 \times 10^{-25}}{1.6 \times 10^{-19}} = 1.242375 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{m/V} \). Convert this to nanometers (1 nm = \( 10^{-9} \) m), so:\( 1.242375 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{m/V} = 1242.375 \mathrm{nm/V} \). This is approximately \( \lambda_0 = \frac{1240}{V} \mathrm{nm} \), which matches the given expression by rounding to three significant figures.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
X-ray tube voltage
X-ray tube voltage is a critical factor in determining the properties of X-rays produced by an X-ray machine. This voltage, usually measured in kilovolts (kV), accelerates electrons towards a target anode. The higher the voltage, the greater the energy these electrons will have upon impact. When these high-energy electrons strike the anode, they decelerate rapidly, leading to the emission of X-rays.
- The energy of the X-rays generated is directly proportional to the tube voltage.
- Higher voltage results in shorter wavelength X-rays, which are more penetrating.
Bremsstrahlung
Bremsstrahlung, a German term meaning "braking radiation," describes the emission of X-rays when high-energy electrons are decelerated or "braked" by the electric field of a nucleus in the X-ray tube's target material. This interaction is responsible for the majority of X-rays produced in an X-ray tube.
- When electrons are slowed down, they lose energy, which is emitted as X-ray photons.
- The spectrum of Bremsstrahlung is continuous, meaning it produces X-rays with a range of energies and wavelengths.
Photon energy
Photon energy is a measure of the energy carried by a single photon, the basic unit of light and all other forms of electromagnetic radiation like X-rays. For X-rays, high-energy photons are produced due to the high velocities of electrons impacting the target material.
- The energy of a photon is calculated as: \[ E = h \cdot f \] where \( E \) is energy, \( h \) is Planck's constant, and \( f \) is the frequency of the light.
Planck's constant
Planck's constant, denoted as \( h \), is a fundamental constant of nature that plays a crucial role in quantum mechanics. It has a value of approximately \( 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \text{Js} \). This constant is pivotal in the Planck-Einstein relation, which connects the energy of a photon with its frequency: \[ E = h \cdot f \]
- This relationship is fundamental in understanding processes like photoelectric effects and bremsstrahlung where energy and electromagnetic waves interact.
- Planck's constant provides the basis for calculating photon energy, a key factor in the production and characteristics of X-rays.