The K-shell and L-shell ionization energies of a metal are 8979 eV and 951 eV, respectively. Concepts:

(i) How is a Kα photon produced, and how much energy does it have?

(ii) What must be the minimum voltage across the X-ray tube to produce a Kα photon?

(iii) What is meant by the phrases “K-shell ionization energy” and “L-shell ionization energy”?

(iv) What does the difference between the K-shell and L-shell ionization energies represent?

Calculations:

(a) Assuming that there is a vacancy in the L shell, what must be the minimum voltage across an X-ray tube with a target made from this metal to produce Kα X-ray photons?

(b) Determine the wavelength of a Kα photon.