Characteristic radiation is an intense form of x-ray radiation which occurs at specific wavelengths for a particular element. The Kα radiation, the most intense characteristic radiation emitted, is caused by excited electrons dropping from the second atomic shell (n = 2) to the first shell (n = 1). The next most intense radiation, Kβ, is caused by excited electrons dropping from the third atomic shell (n = 3) to the first shell (n = 1).

What is the characteristic x-ray radiation? What is its origin?