PHYS 3310 Module 9.1

Atomic Spectra and X-rays

Recommended Reading

9.1 Atomic Spectra and X-rays

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the absorption and emission of radiation in terms of atomic energy levels and energy differences
  • Use quantum numbers to estimate the energy, frequency, and wavelength of photons produced by atomic transitions in multi-electron atoms
  • Explain radiation concepts in the context of atomic fluorescence and X-rays

Practice!

Practice 9.1.1
Let’s say we have He (not ionized) in the 1st excited state:

How does the energy needed to remove this electron (n = 2) compare to the energy required to remove the n = 2 electron from He+?
A. More energy is required
B. An equal amount of energy is required
C. Less energy is required

X-Ray Tubes

Practice!

Practice 9.1.2
What is the principal quantum number of the final state of an atom as it emits an Mβ line in an x-ray spectrum?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
Practice 9.1.3
What is the principal quantum number of the initial state of an atom as it emits an Mβ line in an x-ray spectrum?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

Practice!

Practice 9.1.4
Characteristic x-rays can be produced by bombarding targets with electrons. These x-rays occur when
A. electrons from higher shells fill the vacant lower shell
B. electrons fill the vacant valence shell
C. photons are emitted with energies on the order of 103 eV
D. photons are emitted with wavelengths on the order of 103 nm
Practice 9.1.5
In an x-ray tube, as you increase the energy of the electrons striking the metal target, do the wavelengths of the characteristic x-rays increase, decrease, or remain constant?
A. increase
B. decrease
C. remain constant

Discuss!