X-rays

X-rays: Origin and Properties

X-rays are a high-energy, short-wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum. They lie beyond the ultraviolet (UV) region, meaning they have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths than UV rays.

• Wavelength range: From about $10^{-8} \, \text{m}$ (10 nm) down to $10^{-13} \, \text{m}$ ($10^{-4}$ nm).
• Production: A common method is to bombard a metal target with high-energy electrons. When these fast electrons strike the metal, they decelerate rapidly, emitting X-ray photons (this is called bremsstrahlung or braking radiation). Additionally, if the electrons have enough energy, they can knock inner-shell electrons out of the metal atoms; when outer electrons fall into these vacancies, they emit X-rays of specific wavelengths (characteristic X-rays). …