Question

The waves emitted when a metal target is bombarded with high energy electrons are:

• A. Microwaves
• B. X rays
• C. Infrared rays
• D. Radio waves

Hint:

When high
energy electrons bombard a metal target, the emitted radiation is typically \textbf{X
rays}, which result from transitions of electrons in the metal atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Explanation of the Phenomenon
When high
energy electrons strike a metal target, the energy from the electrons is transferred to the metal atoms. This energy causes the ejection of inner shell electrons in the atoms of the metal, and when electrons from higher energy levels fall back to fill these vacancies, they emit energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
Step 2: Identifying the Type of Radiation
The energy released in this process is typically in the form of X
rays, which have a much higher energy than visible light and are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Other radiation types, such as microwaves, infrared rays, and radio waves, have lower energy compared to X
rays and are not produced in this phenomenon. Final Answer: The correct answer is \( X
rays \).