Question

whats the difference b/w continuous x ray and characteistic x ray spectrum?

Answer 1

characteristic x-ray are those which is emmited by the electron of target atom due to transition from higher energy state to lower energy state,while continuous x-ray are those which is emmited by the atoms present in a material.

Answer 2

RANE , Almost half correct. True the characteristic spectra result from the transition of electrons in an atom from a higher to a lower energy state. The x-ray is rightly emitted by the atom not the electron.

A continuous x-ray spectrum can result from a couple of processes. If a material is bombarded by x-rays the x-rays scatter off the electrons of the atoms (Compton effect) transferring energy to the electrons like classically colliding particles. This results in the scattered x-rays having a continuous distribution of energies.

Another process that produces a continuous distribution of x-rays occurs when high speed electrons are decelerated when they enter a material . The deceleration causes the electron to emit radiation with a continuous distribution of radiation. called Bremstrahlung ( breaking radiation).