Question:easy

The cut-off wavelength for the continuous X-rays coming from an X-ray tube operating at 30 kV is:

Show Hint

Use the Duane-Hunt law: lambda_min = 12400 / V (in eV) angstrom, then convert. 12400/30000 = 0.414 angstrom = 41.4 pm.
Updated On: Jul 2, 2026
  • 41.4 nm
  • 41.4 Å
  • 41.4 pm
  • 41.4 µm
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The shortest wavelength in the continuous X-ray (bremsstrahlung) spectrum is set by the Duane-Hunt law, where the entire electron energy $eV$ appears as one photon: $\lambda_{\min} = hc/(eV)$.

Work in SI units. With $h = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}$ J s, $c = 3 \times 10^8$ m/s, $e = 1.6 \times 10^{-19}$ C and $V = 3 \times 10^4$ V:
\[ \lambda_{\min} = \frac{(6.63 \times 10^{-34})(3 \times 10^8)}{(1.6 \times 10^{-19})(3 \times 10^4)}. \]
The numerator is $1.989 \times 10^{-25}$ and the denominator is $4.8 \times 10^{-15}$, so
\[ \lambda_{\min} = 4.14 \times 10^{-11}\ \text{m} = 41.4\ \text{pm}. \]
Note that $1$ pm $= 10^{-12}$ m, so this is deep in the X-ray band, which rules out the nm, angstrom and micrometre choices.
\[\boxed{\lambda_{\min} \approx 41.4\ \text{pm}}\]
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