X-rays are produced when high speed electrons collide with a target in an X-ray tube as shown in the diagram - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 10 - 2010

A common substance used as the target B in an X-ray tube is tungsten. Tungsten is favored due to its high melting point and efficient X-ray production capabilities.

1. X-rays have a very short wavelength, enabling them to penetrate various materials.
2. They are electrically neutral and possess no charge, which allows them to pass through matter without being deflected by electric fields.
3. X-rays can cause ionization in materials they penetrate and can affect photographic films, leading to applications in imaging and diagnostics.

1. X-rays are widely used in medical diagnostics, such as in X-ray imaging to observe internal structures and identify diseases.
2. They are employed in industrial applications to detect flaws in materials, such as welds or structural components, ensuring safety and integrity.

The part marked C serves the function of protection or shielding. Its purpose is to minimize exposure to X-rays for the operator and the environment, ensuring safety while the X-ray tube is in operation.

The photoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material, typically a metal, when it is exposed to electromagnetic radiation of sufficient frequency. This effect illustrates the particle nature of light and the energy associated with photons.

To demonstrate the photoelectric effect, the following experiment can be performed:

1. Apparatus: You will need a vacuum tube, a light source such as an ultraviolet lamp, a zinc plate, and an ammeter connected in the circuit.
2. Procedure:
   • Place the zinc plate inside the vacuum tube.
   • Connect the zinc plate to the negative terminal of the ammeter.
   • Shine the ultraviolet light on the zinc plate.
   • As the UV light strikes the zinc, electrons will be emitted from the surface.
   • The flow of these ejected electrons will generate a current, which can be measured by the ammeter, demonstrating the photoelectric effect.

1. The photoelectric effect is utilized in solar panels, where photons from sunlight cause electrons to be released, generating electricity.
2. It is also used in photodetectors, which convert light signals into electrical signals, widely applied in cameras and imaging systems.