Question:medium

The wavelengths of \(K_\alpha\) and \(L_\alpha\) X-rays of a material are 21.3 pm and 141 pm, respectively. Then, the wavelength of the \(K_\beta\) X-ray of the material is given by:

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Energies add: E(Kbeta) = E(Kalpha) + E(Lalpha), so 1/lambda_Kbeta = 1/lambda_Kalpha + 1/lambda_Lalpha. Result is in pm.
Updated On: Jul 2, 2026
  • 18.5 µm
  • 18.5 µm
  • 0.5 pm
  • 18.5 pm
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Think in terms of photon energies rather than wavelengths. The $K_\beta$ transition is an electron falling from the $M$ shell straight to the $K$ shell. That drop can be split into two steps: $M \to L$ (which is the $L_\alpha$ line) followed by $L \to K$ (which is the $K_\alpha$ line). Energies add for the combined jump, so $E_{K_\beta} = E_{K_\alpha} + E_{L_\alpha}$.

Because photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength, the reciprocals add:
\[ \frac{1}{\lambda_{K_\beta}} = \frac{1}{\lambda_{K_\alpha}} + \frac{1}{\lambda_{L_\alpha}}. \]
Numerically this is a resistors-in-parallel style combination:
\[ \lambda_{K_\beta} = \frac{\lambda_{K_\alpha}\,\lambda_{L_\alpha}}{\lambda_{K_\alpha} + \lambda_{L_\alpha}} = \frac{21.3 \times 141}{21.3 + 141} = \frac{3003.3}{162.3}. \]
That gives $\lambda_{K_\beta} \approx 18.5$ pm. The answer must be in picometres, matching option (D).
\[\boxed{\lambda_{K_\beta} \approx 18.5\ \text{pm}}\]
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