Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Production and use of X-rays

Production and use of X-rays — practice question

High-speed electrons strike a metal target, creating X-ray photons. The way the intensity of the X-ray beam varies with wavelength is shown in Fig. 12.1.
(a(i))[3]

Explain why the wavelength distribution is continuous.

(a(ii))[2]

Explain why there is a sharp cut-off at short wavelength.

(a(iii))[1]

Explain why a series of peaks is superimposed on the continuous wavelength distribution.

(b(i))[1]

In X-ray imaging of body structures, longer wavelength photons are often removed from the X-ray beam. State how this filtering is achieved.

(b(ii))[1]

Suggest why this filtering is used.

(ii)[1]

Suggest why this filtering is applied.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: An X-ray photon is emitted when an electron is brought to a sudden stop

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