INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

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What happens during characteristic x-ray production?

Electrons collide with photons
Electrons are absorbed by the nucleus
Electrons knock into another electron and drop into a lower energy orbital
Protons are released

The correct answer is: Electrons knock into another electron and drop into a lower energy orbital

During characteristic x-ray production, electrons in an atom are excited due to high energy. As they return to their normal, lower energy state, they emit an x-ray photon. This is known as the "characteristic" x-ray because it is specific to the element and the energy levels of its electrons. It is not due to protons being released (D) or electrons colliding with photons (A). Additionally, electrons are not absorbed by the nucleus (B), as the nucleus does not have the ability to absorb particles in this way. The correct explanation is choice C, as it accurately describes the process of electron excitation and emission during characteristic x-ray production.