Henry Moseley studied characteristic X-ray spectra of elements. The graph which represents his observation correctly is:

(Given: $v$ = Frequency of X-ray emitted, $Z$ = Atomic number)

Question

Henry Moseley studied characteristic X-ray spectra of elements. The graph which represents his observation correctly is: (Given: v = Frequency of X-ray emitted, Z = Atomic number)

Paaras Thakur · Accepted Answer

Option (3): v vs Z — linear. 🧠 Moseley's law is linear in v, not in v Moseley found that = a(Z - b). Plot on the y-axis and Z on the x-axis — you get a straight line. 🗺️ Read the graph A plot of v vs Z is curved because v (Z-b)2. Only when you take the square root does the curve straighten out. So option (3) — v vs Z, linear — matches Moseley's equation exactly. ⚠️ Common mistake Many students confuse the axes. Notice the y-axis is v, not v. A curved v vs Z graph (option 4) would mean the law does not hold — it does. {{Answer: (c)}}

Answer

Option (1): v vs Z — curved

Answer

Option (2): v vs Z — linear

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Option (3): v vs Z — linear

Answer

Option (4): v vs Z — curved

Henry Moseley studied characteristic X-ray spectra of elements. The graph which represents his observation correctly…

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