10 marksParticulate Nature of Electromagnetic Radiation

CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2019 · Paper 2 · Question 3(a)

This question focuses on the production and properties of X-rays, including their generation and absorption.

With the aid of a fully labelled diagram, describe how X-rays are produced. Your description should include an explanation of why BOTH single line and continuous spectra are generated in this process.

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Other parts of this question

3(b)(i)On the grid provided in Figure 5, plot a graph of relative intensity versus combined thickness. Draw your best smooth curve through the points.[4 marks]
3(b)(ii)From the graph plotted in (b)(i), determine the thickness of lead which will reduce the intensity of the X-ray beam by 95%.[2 marks]
3(b)(iii)Based on the result obtained in (b)(ii), calculate a value for µ_lead, the linear absorption coefficient of lead in m⁻¹.[5 marks]
3(c)A metal Y has a linear absorption coefficient which is 0.25 µ_lead. Show that the thickness of Y required to produce the same attenuation as T_L cm of lead is…[3 marks]
3(d)Calculate its wavelength, in metres.[6 marks]

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