Exam-style question
Try this first
Which of the following statements best describes characteristic X-ray spectra?.
- A.They are produced by the deceleration of electrons.
- B.They result from transitions of electrons between energy levels in atoms.
- C.They have a continuous range of photon energies.
- D.They are independent of the target material.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- They result from transitions of electrons between energy levels in atoms.
Explanation
Why this works
Characteristic X-ray spectra are produced when electrons transition between specific energy levels in atoms of the target material, resulting in X-rays of discrete energies that correspond to the differences in energy levels.
Common mistake
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