Where are the X-Rays located on the spectrum?

Answer 1

Only a few photons that have energies close to that of the electrons are produced; most have lower energies. Although the reason for this is complex, a simplified model of the Bremsstrahlung interaction is shown below. First, assume that there is a space, or field, surrounding the nucleus in which electrons experience the "braking" force. This field can be divided into zones, as illustrated. This gives the nuclear field the appearance of a target with the actual nucleus located in the center. An electron striking anywhere within the target experiences some braking action and produces an x-ray photon. Those electrons striking nearest the center are subjected to the greatest force and, therefore, lose the most energy and produce the highest energy photons. The electrons hitting in the outer zones experience weaker interactions and produce lower energy photons. Although the zones have essentially the same width, they have different areas. The area of a given zone depends on its distance from the nucleus. Since the number of electrons hitting a given zone depends on the total area within the zone, it is obvious that the outer zones capture more electrons and create more photons. From this model, an x-ray energy spectrum, such as the one shown below, could be predicted.