Question

The production of continuous X-ray spectrum is the reverse process of:
A. Compton effect
B. Photoelectric effect
C. Raman effect
D. Seebeck effect

Answer 1

Hint: In the process of production of continuous X-ray, the high energy electrons are used to emit photons. The reverse process of this is the emission of electrons when the photons strike on the material. Recall the effects given in the options to answer this question.

Complete answer:
We know that when the high energy electrons strike a heavier material, the high energy electrons are deflected by the nuclei of the material. In this process, there is a deceleration of the electrons which causes them to emit the photons. Thus, in the process of production of continuous X-ray, the high energy electrons are used to emit photons. The reverse process of this is the emission of electrons when the photons strike on the material.

To answer this question, let’s briefly explain the given options.
Compton Effect: In Compton scattering, the high energy photon strikes the material which causes transfer of some of its energy to the outer shell electron. The result of which is the production of photon with lower energy than the incident photon and the free electron. Thus, in Compton Effect both photons and electrons cause knockout of the material by the incident photon. Therefore, the option A is incorrect.

Photoelectric Effect: In photoelectric effect, the photon having the energy greater than the work function of the material when strikes the material, the electron gets knocked out from the inner shell of the atom. Thus, we can say that it is the reverse process of production of continuous X-ray. Therefore, the option B is correct.

Raman Effect: In Raman Effect, there is change in the wavelength of a light beam when it is deflected by the molecules. Thus, Raman Effect is not the reverse process of production of continuous X-ray. Therefore, the option C is incorrect.

Seebeck Effect: We can see this effect in semiconductor due to movement of charge carriers. It is related with conversion of heat energy into the potential difference. Thus, the option D is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: In photoelectric effect, the inner shell electron gets knocked out from the atom because the energy of the photon is greater than the work function of the material whereas in Compton Effect, both electron and photon are knocked out from the atom but the electron getting knocked out is the outer shell electron. There is another term known as par production. But in pair production, the photon is converted into two antiparticles: electron and positron.