Question

Which of the following does not characterize X-rays?
A.The radiation can ionize gases
B.It causes $ZnS$ fluorescence
C.Deflected by electric and magnetic fields
D.They have wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet rays

Answer 1

:Hint:To answer the question one must be aware of X-rays and their characteristics. The characteristics of X-rays are based on experimental observations. We will understand the practical observations of X-rays and the conclusion made from the observations can help us to determine which of the following does not characterize the X-rays.

Complete answer:
First, we will understand about the X-rays. X-rays are the type of radiation also known as electromagnetic waves. Simply, x-rays are the radiations which can pass through the body.
Now we will consider the options one by one and we will explain them based on the observations.
X-ray radiation can ionize gases. X-rays can eject electrons from the atoms by the photoelectric effect to cause ionization. Gases are ionized similarly by the radiations. So the radiation can ionize gases characterizing X-rays.
X-rays cause $ZnS$ fluorescence. It can cause fluorescence in many substances. So it causes $ZnS$ to fluorescence characterize X-rays.
We know that X-rays are electrically neutral. Therefore they are not deflected in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. When X-rays are passed in presence of an electric and magnetic field they pass ${180^0}$ without any deviation. So x-rays are deflected by electric and magnetic fields and do not characterize X-rays.
X-rays have a shorter wavelength as compared to Ultraviolet rays. Therefore, X-rays have more energy. So this also characterizes X-rays.
From the above observations, we can conclude that X-rays deflected by electric and magnetic fields do not characterize them.

Therefore, option (C) is correct.

Note:
X-rays are electromagnetic waves. In electromagnetic waves, the Electric field $E$ and magnetic field $B$ are mutually perpendicular to each other. The cross-product of the electric and magnetic field gives the velocity.