Are all emitted photons 100keV in the bremmstralung effect?

  • Thread starter IntuitioN
  • Start date
In summary, the bremmstralung effect, also known as bremsstrahlung, is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted when a charged particle is accelerated by a strong electric or magnetic field. It occurs when a charged particle emits photons as it is accelerated, similar to a car's brakes emitting heat and light. This effect has applications in fields like medical imaging and nuclear engineering, and is related to the photoelectric effect. While not typically observable in everyday life, we can indirectly observe its effects through technologies like X-ray machines and particle accelerators.
  • #1
IntuitioN
20
0
Beginners question: When electrons of all a certain kinetic energy (say 100keV) are decelerated are all the photons produced 100keV as well?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Not really,the electrons can't be really put to rest (excuse the pun),anyway the energy of the photons is not really the energy if the decelerated electrons.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
Depending on how the electrons are decelerated, there is usually a continuous spectrum of the emitted radiation. Only a small fraction of the intial electron energy goes into EM radiation. Most of the energy loss is dlue to whatever mechanism stops the electrons.
 

FAQ: Are all emitted photons 100keV in the bremmstralung effect?

What is the bremmstralung effect?

The bremmstralung effect, also known as bremsstrahlung, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted when a charged particle, such as an electron, is accelerated by a strong electric or magnetic field.

How does the bremmstralung effect occur?

The bremmstralung effect occurs when a charged particle is accelerated by a strong electric or magnetic field. As the particle is accelerated, it emits radiation in the form of photons. This process is similar to the way a car's brakes emit heat and light when it slows down.

What are the applications of the bremmstralung effect?

The bremmstralung effect has many practical applications in fields such as medical imaging, nuclear engineering, and astrophysics. It is used in X-ray machines to produce X-rays and in particle accelerators to produce high-energy particles for research purposes.

How is the bremmstralung effect related to the photoelectric effect?

The bremmstralung effect is related to the photoelectric effect in that both involve the emission of photons from a charged particle. However, the bremmstralung effect occurs when a particle is accelerated, while the photoelectric effect occurs when a photon interacts with an atom or molecule.

Can the bremmstralung effect be observed in everyday life?

The bremmstralung effect is not typically observable in everyday life, as it requires strong electric or magnetic fields and high-energy particles. However, we can indirectly observe its effects through technologies such as X-ray machines and particle accelerators.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
38
Views
4K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top