Which of the following gives a straight line?

Options

A. A plot of `sqrt(V)`(where `V` is the frequency of the prominent `X`-rays emitted) against atomic number `(Z)`
B. A plot of `sqrt(V)` against atomic mass
C. Aplot of `V^(2)`against atomic mass
D. A plot of `V^(2)` against atomic number

Answer

A

Explanation

Moseley measured the frequencies of `X`-rays emitted by a metal when bombarded with high speed electrons. He discovered that the square root of the frequency `(v)` of the characteristic `X`-rays emitted by a metal was proportional to the atomic number and not to the atomic mass of the element. This led Moseley to conclude that atomic number was a more fundamental property than atomic mass.