Consider a photon of continuous X-ray and a photon of characteristic X-ray of the same wavelength. Which of the following is/are different for the two photons?

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KollegeApply · Accepted Answer

Method of creation Let λ_1 and λ_2 be the wavelengths of the photons of continuous and characteristic X-rays, respectively. Given : λ_1 = λ_2 = λ Now, frequency (v) is given by v = c/λ_1 = c/λ_2 ⇒ v = c/λ Hence, the frequency of both the photons is the same. Energy of a photon (E) is given by E = hv As the frequency of both the photons is the same, they will have the same energy. The photon of the continuous X-ray and the photon of the characteristic X-ray consist of the same penetrating power. The photon of the characteristic X-ray is created because of the transition of an electron from one shell to another. The photon of the continuous X-ray is created because of the conversion of the kinetic energy of an electron into a photon of electromagnetic radiation.

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