Which x-ray production method involves knocking out inner shell electrons of tungsten?

The method of x-ray production that involves knocking out inner shell electrons of tungsten is characteristic radiation. In this process, high-energy electrons collide with tungsten atoms in the target material. When an inner shell electron is ejected from the atom, the atom becomes ionized. To stabilize, an electron from a higher energy level will transition down to fill the vacancy left by the ejected electron. As this happens, energy is released in the form of x-rays, specifically at distinct energy levels characteristic of the tungsten material itself.

This is why the produced x-rays are referred to as “characteristic” radiation; the energies of these x-ray photons are unique to the specific atom that emitted them. This method is fundamental to x-ray production, particularly in diagnostic radiography and fluoroscopy, because it allows for the generation of x-rays with precise energies that can be utilized in various imaging applications.