Question

What is the difference between γ rays and characteristic x rays? Is either necessarily more energetic than the other? Which can be the most energetic?

a) γ rays are emitted by nuclei; characteristic x rays are emitted by electrons. γ rays can be more energetic.

b) γ rays are emitted by electrons; characteristic x rays are emitted by nuclei. Characteristic x rays can be more energetic.

c) γ rays and characteristic x rays are the same; neither is necessarily more energetic.

d) γ rays are absorbed by matter; characteristic x rays are not. Characteristic x rays can be more energetic.

Answer 1

Gamma rays and characteristic x rays are forms of electromagnetic radiation that differ in their sources. Gamma rays are emitted by atomic nuclei, while characteristic x rays are emitted by electrons. Both types of radiation can be highly energetic, with gamma rays generally having higher energies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gamma rays and characteristic x rays are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, but they differ in their sources. Gamma rays are emitted by atomic nuclei, while characteristic x rays are emitted by electrons when they transition to lower energy levels. Both gamma rays and characteristic x rays can be highly energetic, but gamma rays can generally have higher energies.