Question 9:  Why X-rays have different properties from light even though both originate from the orbital transition of electrons in excited atoms.

ANSWER

Although both X-rays and light are electromagnetic radiations and both originate from the orbital transition of electrons in excited atoms, still they have similar as well as different properties. Examples of the dissimilar properties of X-rays are

• X-rays have high penetrating power than light.
• X-rays cannot be diffracted by Young’s double slits apparatus or a diffraction grating.
• X-rays exhibit line as well as continuous spectra.

The differences in the properties is attributed to the difference in the wavelength and frequencies of X-rays and light. X-rays are originated from the inner shells transitions and having short wavelengths and high frequencies as compared to visible light.