Approximately what energy characteristic x-ray is emitted when a k-shell is removed from a tungsten target?

When discussing the energy characteristics of x-rays emitted from a tungsten target, it’s important to note that these emissions are closely associated with the binding energy of the electrons in different shells of the tungsten atoms. The k-shell, or the innermost shell, has a specific binding energy that, when removed, creates an x-ray photon.

In tungsten, the binding energy of the k-shell electrons is approximately 69 keV. When one of these electrons is ejected from the k-shell, the vacancy it leaves results in an electron from a higher energy shell (such as the l-shell) dropping down to fill that vacant position. This transition between energy levels releases energy in the form of an x-ray photon.

The energy of the emitted x-ray will be approximately equal to the difference in binding energy between the two shells involved in this transition. Typically, for tungsten, the transition from the l-shell to the k-shell is known to result in a characteristic x-ray energy around 57 keV, which aligns with what is known about the emission spectrum of tungsten when the k-shell is ionized.

Given this understanding of k-shell binding energy and x-ray emission characteristics, the answer of 57 keV is appropriate as it accurately reflects the energy released during