White Radiation

White Radiation

Write a short note on white radiation.
Answer.

White radiation

A form of radiation that results from the rapid deceleration of high-speed electrons striking a target, as occurs when the electron beam of a tungsten cathode strikes the tungsten or molybdenum target of the anode in an X-ray tube. Most of the X-rays emitted from a diagnostic or therapeutic X-ray unit represent white radiation. Also called Bremsstrahlung radiation.

“Understanding the role of white radiation in physics: Q&A explained”

• The term refers to the sudden breaking of high-speed electrons when they hit the tungsten target in the anode. About 70 % of the X-rays are produced in this manner.
• If the electron hits the nucleus of the tungsten atom, all its kinetic energy is converted into a “High Energy X-ray Photon”.

“Importance of studying white radiation for better imaging and research outcomes: Questions explained”

• But most of the time, instead of hitting the nucleus, most electrons just miss the nucleus of the tungsten atom. When the electron comes close to the nucleus, it is attracted to the nucleus and slows down; consequently, an X-ray photon is released. The electron that misses the nucleus continues to penetrate many such tungsten atoms, producing many lower-energy X-ray photons before it imparts all its kinetic energy.

“Common challenges in explaining white radiation effectively: FAQs provided”

• As a result, general radiation consists of X-rays of many different energies and wavelengths. It is also known as a continuous spectrum.