ABSTRACT
X-rays are generated in four ways; two primary ways are by bombardment of a metal target with a beam of high energy electrons or by exposure of a substance to a primary beam of x-rays to generate a secondary beam of XRF (Skoog et al., 1998, p. 303). e absorption of x-rays produces electronically excited ions that return to their ground state by transitions involving electrons from higher energy levels (Skoog et al., 1998, p. 309). e series of lines commonly observed in x-ray line spectra are the K series (short wavelength) and L series (long wavelength). Emitted x-rays are named according to the vacancy in the shells that are lled by outer shell electrons, for example, K, L, M, and N. Resultant x-rays are further characterized by the specic energy level within a given series, for example α, β, and γ.
