Characteristic X-rays are produced due to ....

Options

A. transfer of momentum in collision of electron with target atoms
B. transition of electron from higher to lower electrons orbits in an atom
C. heating of target
D. transfer of energy in collision of electrons with atoms in the target.

Answer

B

Explanation

When the high energy electron hits the target and takes out an electron from the inner orbit there is a possibility of an outer electron to fall down to fill up that vaccancy and when such a transition of electron takes place from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, the difference of energy `(E_(2)-E_(1) = hv)` between two levels is given in the form of radiation known as characteristic X-rays.