In modern physics, the process that can be regarded as the reverse of X ray emission, in which incident X ray photons eject electrons from a material, is known as which effect?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Photo-electric effect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
High energy photons such as X rays can interact with matter in different ways, including emission processes and absorption processes that release electrons. When fast electrons strike a target, X rays can be emitted. The reverse process can be thought of as X ray photons striking matter and causing the emission of electrons. This question asks you to identify which named effect describes this reverse process among several important phenomena in quantum physics and spectroscopy.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- X ray emission involves electrons losing energy and emitting X ray photons.- The reverse would involve X ray photons transferring energy to electrons and ejecting them.- We consider well known effects studied in modern physics which involve photons and electrons.


Concept / Approach:
In the photoelectric effect, photons incident on a material transfer their energy to bound electrons. If the photon energy exceeds the work function of the material, electrons are ejected from the surface with some kinetic energy. This can occur with visible light, ultraviolet light, or even X rays, depending on the material and photon energy. When specifically X ray photons cause the ejection of electrons from inner shells, the process can be considered the reverse of X ray emission, where inner shell vacancies lead to emission of characteristic X rays. The Raman effect involves inelastic scattering with slight energy shifts, the Compton effect involves photon scattering with partial energy transfer, and the Zeeman effect deals with the splitting of spectral lines in a magnetic field.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Identify that X ray emission typically occurs when high energy electrons decelerate in a target or when electrons drop from higher to lower energy levels.2. Consider the reverse process, where an incoming photon interacts with an electron and causes it to be ejected.3. Recall that the photoelectric effect describes the emission of electrons from a material when light or X rays shine on it.4. Recognise that in this process, photon energy is converted into electron kinetic energy and work function, opposite to emission where electron energy becomes photon energy.5. Compare this with Raman effect, Compton effect, and Zeeman effect, none of which is described as the reverse of X ray emission.6. Conclude that the reverse effect of X ray emission is best described by the photoelectric effect.


Verification / Alternative check:
In discussions of the interaction of X rays with matter, textbooks list three main processes: photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering, and pair production. Among these, photoelectric absorption involves complete removal of the photon and ejection of an electron, and is often mentioned as the reverse of characteristic X ray emission. This matches the description of the photoelectric effect, confirming that option as correct in the context of the question.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Raman effect: Involves inelastic scattering of visible light and small shifts in photon energy; it does not primarily eject electrons from atoms.- Compton effect: Describes scattering of high energy photons with partial energy transfer to electrons, but the photon is not fully absorbed and remains present with lower energy.- Zeeman effect: Refers to the splitting of spectral lines in the presence of a magnetic field and does not involve photoemission of electrons.


Common Pitfalls:
Because the Compton effect also involves interaction between photons and electrons, students may confuse it with photoelectric absorption. The key difference is that in the photoelectric effect, the photon disappears and an electron is ejected, while in the Compton effect, the photon continues with reduced energy. Remembering this distinction helps you identify the photoelectric effect as the best description of the reverse of X ray emission.


Final Answer:
The reverse effect of X ray emission, where X ray photons eject electrons from a material, is the photoelectric effect.

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