X-RAYS

Total number of Questions in this chapter are :

(i) Level # 1 ....................... 39

(ii) Level # 2 ....................... 27

(iii) Level # 3 ....................... 16

(iv) Level # 4 ....................... 13

Total no. of questions ....................... 95

43
 LEVEL # 1

Properties of X-rays Q.9 X-rays and -rays both are electromagnetic

waves. Which of the following statements is
Q.1 X-rays are also called correct ?
(A) Becquere rays (B) Rontgen rays (A)the wavelength of X-rays is greater than
(C) neutron rays (D) cathode rays that of -rays
Q.2 The nature of the target used for the (B) the wavelength of X-rays is less than that
production of X-rays should be of -rays
(A) solid of high atomic number (C) the frequency of -rays is less than that
(B) solid of low atomic number of X-rays
(C) solid of high melting point (D) the frequency and wavelength of X-rays
(D) solid of high atomic number and high are more than those of -rays
melting point Q.10 The nature X-rays is similar to
(A) cathode rays (B) neutron beam
Q.3 Which of the following are used for the study
(C) -rays (D) -rays
of structure of crystals ?
(A) infrared rays (B) visible light rays Q.11 Which of the following characteristics of
X-rays increases on increasing the number
(C) ultraviolet rays (D) X-rays
of electrons striking the anticathode ?
(A) Hardness (B) Wavelength
Q.4 Bragg’s law of X-ray is correct for
(C) Penetrating power (D) Intensity
(A) refraction (B) reflection
(C) diffraction (D) polarisation Q.12 The velocity of X-rays is equal to the velocity of
(A) sound waves (B) elastic waves
Q.5 X-rays are not used in radar because (C) ultrasonic waves (D) light waves
(A) they damage the target
Q.13 The wavelength of the most energetic X-ray
(B) they are electromagnetic waves emitted when a metal target is bombarded
(C) they are not reflected by the target by 40 keV electron is approximately :
(D) they are completely absorbed by air (A) 300 Å (B) 10 Å
(C) 4 Å (D) 0.31 Å
Q.6 X-rays were discovered by
Q.14 X-rays are diffracted by
(A) Rontgen (B) Becquerel
(A) a single slit
(C) De-Broglie (D) Rutherford
(B) a double slit
Q.7 In a Coolidge tube X-rays are produced by (C) a diffraction grating
(A) positive rays (D) a crystal
(B) cathode rays Q.15 If X-rays are deflected from their path then
(C) electromagnetic rays its cause may be
(D) a proton beam (A) electric field
(B) magnetic field
Q.8 X-ray is an electromagnetic radiation, so (C) electric and magnetic field both
X-ray photons carry (D) none of the above
(A) an electric charge Q.16 X-rays travel a long distance in a material if
(B) a magnetic moment their
(C) both the electric charge and magnetic (A) wavelength is low
moment (B) wavelength is high
(D) neither electric charge nor magnetic torque (C) frequency is low
(D) not depend on wavelength and frequency
Q.17 In majority of crystals the value of lattice Q.25 A metal block is exposed to beam of x-rays
constant is of the order of 3Å. The proper of different wavelengths. x-rays of which
X-rays with which the crystal structure can wavelength penetrates most.
be studied are (A) 2 Å (B) 4 Å (C) 6 Å (D) 8 Å
(A) 50Å to 100 Å (B) 10Å to 50 Å
(C) 5Å to 10 Å (D) 0.1Å to 2.7 Å
Classification of X-rays
Q.18 The distance between two successive atomic
planes of a calcite crystal is 0.3 Å. The Q.26 Difference between soft and hard X-rays is
minimum angle for Bragg scattering of 0.3Å (A) of frequency
x-rays will be (B) of velocity
(A) 1.5º (B) 30º (C) of penetration power and frequency
(C) 2.86° (D) 60º (D) of intensity and velocity

Q.19 X-rays of frequency  are used to irradiate Q.27 Which of the following statements is correct
sodium and copper surface in two separate for hard X-rays ?
experiments and the stopping potential (A)Penetrating power is more and wavelength
determined. Then : is less than that of soft X-rays
(A) the stopping potential is more for copper (B)Penetrating power is more and wavelength
than for sodium is more that of soft X-rays
(B) the stopping potential is more for sodium (C) Penetraing power is equal to that of soft
than for copper X-rays and wavelength is less than that of
(C) the stopping potential is same for copper soft X-rays
and for sodium (D) Penetrating power is equal to that of soft
(D) none of the above X-rays and wavelength is more than that
of soft X-rays
Q.20 The lattice spacing in a crystal is 0.5Å. The
maximum wavelength of X-rays for which Q.28 The cause of characteristic X-rays is
diffraction can be observed will be
(A) transition of valence electrons from higher
(A) 0.5Å (B) 1.0Å to lower orbits
(C) 2.0Å (D) 5.0 Å
(B) transition of inner shell electrons from
higher to lower orbits
Q.21 X-rays do not penetrate (C) transition of atomic nuclei electrons from
(A) wood (B) meat higher to lower energy states
(C) Al (D) BaSO4 (D) none of these

Q.22 If X-rays are passing through different material Q.29 The energy of a continuous X-ray photon
of same thickness then its absorption is comes from
minimum in (A) the kinetic energy of the free electrons of
(A) copper (B) gold target
(C) air (D) lead (B) the atomic transition in the target
(C) the kinetic energy of the striking electron
Q.23 In x-ray tube, the percentage of energy of
electron converted into x-rays is - (D) none of these
(A) nearly 50% (B) nearly 10% Q.30 The energy of a characteristic X-ray photon
(C) less than 1% (D) almost 100% comes from
(A) the kinetic energy of the free electrons of
Q.24 An x-ray tube operates at 30 kV. Then the
target
speed of the electrons when they hit the
target is about. (B) the atomic transition in the target
(A) 108 m/s (B) 107 m/s (C) the kinetic energy of the striking electron
6
(C) 10 m/s (D) 109 m/s (D) none
45
Q.31 If potential difference of 10,000 volt is applied
Mosley Law
in an X-ray tube, then minimum wavelength
of X-rays produced will be Q.38 In the Mosley’s law for characteristic X-rays
(A) 1.24Å (B) 12.4Å
(C) 0.124Å (D) 1.24 × 10–6A  = a (Z – b)
(A) both the constant a and b depend on the
nature
Q.32 The minimum wavelength of X-rays in the
continuous spectrum is min, then (B) a depends on the nature of material
whereas b does not
hV hc
(A) min= (B) V = e (C) b depends on the nature of material
ec min whereas a does not
ec eh (D) both the constants a and b do not depend
(C) V = h (D) min=
min cV on the nature of the material

Q.33 W hen accelerated electron knock out

electrons of inner shell of target atoms then Q.39 Which of the following curves best represents
we get the Moseley law ?
(A) continuous spectrum
(B) characteristic spectrum
(C) -spectrum
(D) -spectrum

Q.34 Characteristic spectrum is

(A) linear
(B) continuous
(C) continuous and linear
(D) uncertain (A) a (B) b
(C) c (D) d
Q.35 Spectrum of X-rays is
(A) continuous
(B) linear
(C) continuous and linear
(D) band spectrum

Q.36 The characteristic x-ray radiation is

emitted when,
(A) the electrons are accelerated to a fixed
energy
(B) the source of electrons emits a mono
energetic beam
(C) the bombarding electrons knock out
electrons from the inner shell of the target
atoms and one of the outer electrons falls
into this vacancy
(D) the valence electrons in the target atoms
are removed as a result of the collision

Q.37 The minimum energy of electrons required to

emit K  line f rom molybdenum target
(Z = 42) will be -
(A) 0.2399 KeV (B) 2.399 KeV
(C) 23.99 KeV (D) 239.9 KeV
 LEVEL # 2
Q.1 In an X-ray tube if the electrons are
Q.7 Following diagram shows relation between
accelerated through 140KV then anode emitted X-rays intensity and wavelength
current obtained is 30mA. If the whole energy obtained X-ray tube its sharp peaks A and B
of electrons is converted into heat then the shows
rate of production of heat at anode will be
(A) 968 calorie (B) 892 calorie
(C) 1000 calorie (D) 286 calorie

Q.2 If the binding energy of an element nearest to

the nucleus in an atom is 45 KeV , then the
tube voltage, in order to emit K-series of (A) band spectrum
characteristic X-rays, will be (B) continuous spectrum
(C) characteristics radiations
(A) V < 45 KV (B) V = 45 KV
(D) white radiations
(C) V > 45 KV (D) V  45 KV
Q.8 The wavelength of last line of Lyman series in
Q.3 If the frequency of K, K and L , X-ray lines the spectrum of hydrogen is 911 Å. The atomic
of a substance are K  , K  and L  number of that element which emits
characteristic X-rays of minium wavelength of
K  + K  = L 0.7Å, will be
(A) (B) K  – K  = L
(A) 30 (B) 33
(C) K  + L = K  (D) none of these (C) 35 (D) 37

Q.9 If  ,  and  are respectively the

Q.4 The ratio of wavelength of K lines of Mo
wavelength of k, k and k lines of tungsten
(Z = 42) and Cu (Z = 29) will be then
(A) 0.466 (B) 2.144 (A)  =  = 
(C) 0.683 (D) 1.464 (B)  >  > 
(C)  <  < 
(D)  >  > 
Q.5 If  K  ,  K  and  L  are the wavelengths of
Q.10 50% of X-rays obtained from a Coolidge tube
K, K and L, lines respectively , then
pass through 0.3 mm thick aluminium foil. If
K K the potential difference between the target
 K  L 
and the cathode is increased, then the fraction
(A)  K  =    (B)  L  =   
K L K K of X-rays passing through the same foil will be
(A) 50% (B) >50%
K K (C) < 50% (D) 0%
(C)  L  =    (D) none of these
K K Q.11 If the frequency of K line of the element having
Z = 64 is , and the frequency of K line of
the element having Z = 80 is , then the ratio
Q.6 The atomic number of a target is Z and the of their frequencies will be about (assuming
frequency of K line is . If we take a target that Z >> 1)
of atomic number 2Z then the frequency of K 2

line will be about (assuming that Z >> 1) (A) (B)
5 5
(A) 4 (B) 2
(C)  (D) /4 16 2
(C) (D)
25 5
47
Q.12 The wavelength of K - X - rays produced by Q.18 An X-ray tube is operated at 30KV with Mo as
an X-ray tube is 0.76 Å. The atomic number target., The value of glaceing angle of Mo K
of the anode material of the tube is line for NaCl crystal was found to be 15.0º.
The wavelength of this line will be (Given that
(A) 40 (B) 41 sin 15º = 0.2588 and dNaCl = 2.82Å)
(C) 42 (D) 43 (A) 1.33Å (B) 1.46 Å
(C) 2.37 Å (D) 3.48 Å
Q.13 The wavelength of K line of a hydrogen like Q.19 Electrons with energy 80 keV are incident on
element is 0.32Å. The wavelength of K line of the tungsten target of an X-ray tube. K shell
that element will be electrons of tungsten have –72.5 keV energy.
X-rays emitted by the tube contains only
(A) 0.64Å (B) 0.54Å
(A) a continuous X-ray spectrum with a
(C) 0.32Å (D) 0.27Å
minimum wavelength of 0.155 Å
Q.14 When a accelerated electron beam hits a (B) a continuous X-ray spectrum with all
wavelengths
target then a continuous X-ray spectrum is
(C) a characteristic X-ray spectrum of tungsten
emitted. If the applied potential difference on
(D) a continuous X-ray spectrum with a
X-ray tube is 40000V, then which of the minimum wavelength of 0.155 Å and a
following wavelength is absent in the spectrum characteristic X-ray spectrum of tungsten
(A) 2.0Å (B) 0.5Å
(C) 0.20Å (D) 1.0Å Q.20 The adjacent graph shows dependence of short
wavelength limit of continuous X-rays on the
Q.15 The ionisation energies of K-shell for cobalt, voltage across the tube then
copper, and molebdenum are 7.8, 9.0 and 20.1
I
KeV respectively. If any metal out of these is
used as target in an X-ray tube operated at
15KV, then V
V 3
(a) the K-series of characteristic X-rays will V1 2

be emitted only by cobalt
(b) the K-series of characteristic X-rays will (A) V1 = V2 = V3
be emitted only by cobalt & Cu (B) V1 > V2 > V3
(C) V3 > V2 > V1
(c) the K-series of characteristic X-rays will
(D) none of the above
be emitted only by cobalt, Cu , Co and Mo
(d) the minimum wavelength of continuous
X-rays emitted by the three metals will be Q.21 Energies required to knock the electrons out
of the various shells of Ni atom are
same
K - shell 1.36 x 10-15 J
(A) a,c (B) b,d
L - shell 0.16 x 10-15 J
(C) a,d (D) none
M - Shell 0.08 x 10-15 J
Q.16 When monochromatic X-rays ( = 1Å) pass The minimum accelerating potential for
through a thin film of gold of thickness 3 mm, emission of K-radiation from an X-ray tube with
its intensity reduces to half then its coefficient Ni as target will be
of absorption. (A) 8.5 KV (B) 7.5 KV
(A) 0.231 mm-1 (B) 0.231 cm-1 (C) 6.5 KV (D) 5.5 KV
(C) 1/3 mm-1 (D) 2/3 mm-1
Q.22 The distance between the atomic planes of a
Q.17 Potential difference between anode and crystal is 2.82Å. First Bragg reflection takes
cathode in coolidge tube is 200 kV and place at a grazing angle of 10º. The wavelength
distance between them is 25cm, then intensity of X-rays is
of electric field in tube is (in kilo volt/metre) (A) 2.82Å (B) 1.41Å
(A) 8 (B) 80 (C) 0.98Å (D) 0.72Å
(C) 800 (D) 8000
Q.23 An X-ray tube operating at 50kV converts 1% Q.25 If in the above question, the atomic numbers
energy in the form of X-ray. If the amount of of the target in the tube A and B are
heat produced is 495 watt, then the number of respectively ZA and Z B, then -
electrons colliding with the target per second (A) ZA > Z B
is
(B) ZA < Z B
(A) 6.25 × 1016 (B) 4.15 × 1016
(C) 3.2 × 10 16 (D) 1.2 × 1018 (C) ZA = Z B
(D) nothing can be predicted
Q.24 Figure shows the intensity wavelength
relations of x-rays coming from two different Q.26 An x-ray tube is operated at 50 KV and the
coolidge tubes. The solid curve represents value of current in it is 5 mA. The output
the relation for the tube A and the dotted electric power will be -
curve for B. If in the tubes A and B the (A) 50 W (B) 25 W
accelerating potentials are VA and VB, then.
(C) 125 W (D) 250 W
K A
 K B Q.27 In the above problem, the number of electrons
striking the target per second will be -
(A) 1.250 × 1015 (B) 3.125 × 1016
(C) 2.315 × 10 17 (D) 5.321 × 1018

0

(A) VA > VB
(B) VA < VB
(C) VA = VB
(D) Nothing can be predicted

49
 LEVEL # 3
Q.1 Hydrogen atom does not emit X-rays because- (B) Principle of conservation of momentum
(A) It has single electron (C) Phenomenon of conversion of mass into
(B) It is very small in size energy
(C) Its energy levels are too far apart
(D) Principle of conservation of electric
(D) Its energy levels are too close to each charge
other

Q.2 The patient is asked to drink BaSO 4 for Q.7 If the operating potential of an x-ray tube is
examining the stomach by X-rays because 50 KV, the velocity of X-rays coming out of it is-
X-rays are-
(A) 4 × 104 m/s (B) 3 × 108 m/s
(A) Reflected by heavy atoms
(B) Refracted by heavy atoms (C) 108 m/s (D) 3 m/s
(C) Less absorbed by heavy atoms
(D) More absorbed by heavy atoms

Q.8 Which one curve is correct-

Q.3 If I0 and Ia denote intensities of incident and
absorbed X-rays, then-
(A) Ia = I0e–d
(B) Ia = I0(1 – e–d)
(C) Ia = I0(1 – ed) (A) (B)
(D) Ia = I0ed

Q.4 The wavelength Kof X-rays produced by the

X-ray tube is 0.76Å. The atomic number of the
anode material of the tube is-
(C) (D) None of these.
(A) 30 (B) 41
(C) 51 (D) 60

Statement Type Question

Q.5 When X-rays are projected into a strong
magnetic field, they-
(A) get deflected towards right
(B) get deflected towards left
(C) will propagate opposite to the field
(D) will not be defelected
Q.6 Generation of X-rays is a-
(A) Phenomenon of conversion of KE into
radiant energy
Q.9 Statement I : For X-ray production, target
should be of high atomic number.
Statement II : Atom with larger atomic number
offer more resistance to electrons such that high
energy photons are emitted.
Q.10 Statement I : Penetration power of hard X-ray
is more than that of soft X-ray.
Statement II : Hard X-ray is used f or
engineering purpose while soft X-ray is used for
medical purpose.
Q.11 Statement I : Penetration and ionisation power
of X-ray is less than visible light.
Statement II : Energy of X-ray is higher and
wavelength is lower than that of visible light.
Q.12 Statement I : Wavelength of K photon is
greater than first line of lyman series.
Statement II : Difference in energy levels
decreases due to screening effect.

Q.13 Statement I : Wavelength of continuous X-ray

varies from a minimum value to infinity.
Statement II : Continuous X-rays are emitted
due to transition of electron from higher to lower
energy level.

Passage Based Question

Passage
An X-ray tube operates at 40 kv. Suppose
the electron converts 40% of its energy into
a photon at each collision.

Q.14 The lowest wavelength emitted is–

(A) 0.34 Å (B) 0.77 Å
(C) 0.54 Å (D) 0.64 Å

Q.15 The next higher wavelength emitted is–

(A) 1.28 Å (B) 1.38 Å
(C) 1.48 Å (D) 1.58 Å

Q.16 The 2nd higher wavelength emitted is–

(A) 2.93 Å (B) 3.93 Å
(C) 3.44 Å (D) 5.93 Å

51
 LEVEL # 4
(Question asked in previous AIEEE & IIT JEE)

Q.1 In an X-ray tube, electrons accelerated
through a potential difference of 15,000 volts
strike a copper target. The speed of the
emitted X-rays inside the tube is
(A) 3 × 108 ms–1 (B) 3 × 1010 ms–1
(C) 3 × 106 ms–1 (D) 3 × 107 ms–1
Q.2 Which of the following does not characterise
X-rays?
(A) The radiation can ionise gases
(B) It causes ZnS to fluoresce
(C) Deflected by electric and magnetic fileds
(D) Have wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet
rays
Q.3 A potential difference of 20 kV is applied
across an X-ray tube. The minimum wave-
length of X-rays generated is
(A) 0 .625 Å (B) 1 .625 Å
(C) 2.625 Å (D) 3.625 Å
Q.4 The wave-length of K X-rays produced by an
X-ray tube is 0.76 Å. The atomic number of
the anode material of the tube is
Q.7 Yellow light is used in a single slit diffraction
experiment with slit width of 0.6 mm. If yel-
low light is replaced by X-rays, then the
observed pattern will reveal -
(A) that the central maximum is narrower
(B) more number of fringes
(C) less number of fringes
(D) no diffraction pattern
Q.8 Electrons with energy 80keV are incident on
the tungsten target of an X-ray tube. K shell
electrons of tungsten have –72.5 keV energy.
X-rays emitted by the tube contain only
(A) a continuous X-ray spectrum
(Bremsstrahlung) with a minimum wave
length of ~ 0.155Å
(B) a continuous X-ray spectrum
(Bremsstrahlung) with all wavelengths
(C) the characteristic X-ray spectrum of tung
sten
(D) a continuous X-ray spectrum
(Bremsstrahlung) with a minimum wave
length of ~ 0.155Å and the characteristic
X-ray spectrum of tungsten

(A) 41 (B) 42 Q.9 The intensity of X-rays from a Coolidge tube

(C) 43 (D) 44 is plotted against wavelength  as shown in
the figure. The minimum wavelength found is
Q.5 The K X-rays emission line of tungesten C and the wavelength of the K line is K .
occurs at  = 0.021 nm. The energy differ- As the accelerating voltage is increased
ence between K and L levels in this atom is
about (A) K – C increase
(A) 0.51 MeV (B) 1.2 MeV
(B) K – C decreases
(C) 59 keV (D) 13.6 eV
(C) K increase
Q.6 X-rays are produced in a X-ray tube operating (D) K decreases
at a given accelerating voltage. The wave-
length of the continuous X-rays has values
Q.10 The potential difference applied to an X-ray
from -
tube is 5 kV and the current through it is 3.2
(A) 0 to 
mA. Then the number of electrons striking
(B) min to  where min > 0 the target per second is -
(C) 0 to max  where max < 
(A) 2 × 1016 (B) 5 × 1016
(D) min to max, where 0 < min<max< 
(C) 1 × 1017 (D) 4 × 1015
Q.11 STATEMENT-1 Q.13 Which of following is Wrong in the context
If the accelerating potential in an X -ray tube of X-ray generated from a X-ray tube?
is increased, the wavelengths of the charac-
teristic X -rays do not change. (A) Wavelength of characteristic X-rays de
Because creases when the atomic number of the
STATEMENT-2 target increases
When an electron beam strikes the target in an (B) Cut-off wavelength of the continuous X-
X -ray tube, part of the kinetic energy is con- rays depends on the atomic number of
verted into X -ray energy. the target
(C) Intensity of the characteristic X-rays de
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True;
pends on the electrical power given to
Statement-2 is a correct explanation for
the X-ray tube
Statement-1
(D) Cut-off wavelength of the continuous X-
(B) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True;
rays depends on the energy of the elec
Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
trons in the X-ray tube
Statement-1
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is
True.

Q.12 Electrons with de–Broglie wavelength  fall

on the target in an X–ray tube. The cut–off
wavelength of the emitted X–rays is

2mc2 2h
(A) 0  (B) 0 
h mc

2m 2 c 23
(C) 0  (D) 0  
h2

53
 ANSWERS KEY

LEVEL # 1
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. B D D C C A B D A D D D D D D
Q.No. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. A D B B B D C C A A C A B C B
Q.No. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
Ans. A B B A C C C D D

LEVEL # 2
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. C C C A A A C D B B C B D C B
Q.No. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Ans. A C B D C A C A A A D B

LEVEL # 3
Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Ans D D B B D A B A A B B A C B A C

LEVEL # 4
Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Ans A C A A C B D D B A B A B