How X-Ray Waves Work

X-ray technology was invented by Wilhelm Roentgen, a German physicist, in 1895. X-rays are a kind of electromagnetic wave that is invisible and used in many fields. The most common use of X-rays is examining different human body areas. Besides, X-rays are used in multiple industries, especially in the health sector via mammograms, radiation therapy, and computerised tomography. This article gives a simple definition and structure of x-ray waves, their functions, and how they work.

Definition of X-ray Waves

X-ray waves are a kind of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light, except they have high energy. 

Since X-rays have high energy, they can easily pass through different objects, including the human body. Thus, X-rays are widely used to produce images of various parts of our bodies in the medical field. 

How Were X-rays Discovered?

X-rays were discovered accidentally by German professor Wilhelm Roentgen in Bavaria in 1895. He experimented with electricity in a special tube and wanted to see how electricity would react when passed in a vacuum. So, he removed most of the air from the tube and allowed the electrons to pass through the tube quickly. 

When the electrons moved fast, they dashed against each other and passed into the tube’s glass, where two different parts of the tube, called anode and cathode, were present. 

The surprising part was when the electrons dashed into the anode tube; a unique light was created. Since it was new, Roentgen named it X-rays. 

It started glowing when he conducted the same experiment on a fluorescent screen. It is known that fluorescent material glows when exposed to electromagnetic waves. However, the tube was surrounded by heavy cardboard, and Roentgen expected the radiation to be blocked. But the opposite happened. 

So, he started experimenting with various objects, and finally, he kept his hand in front of the tube and saw his bones projected on the screen. This is how X-rays were discovered, and they became some of the best accidental discoveries. 

How Do X-ray Waves Work?

• When the high-velocity negatively charged electrodes are heated by electricity, it releases electrons that produce energy. 
• This energy is made to pass at high velocity through a metal plate or anode. 
• X-rays are produced when the energy collides with the atoms present in the metal plate.

Now, let’s see how X-rays help in capturing the internal area of our body:

• When you take an X-ray in the concerned area, say, for example, your lungs, a cassette is placed behind or under it. This cassette is responsible for holding the film that gets exposed by the X-ray.
• When the X-rays enter your body, it gets through your skin, then your muscles and organs. 
• Since the soft tissues present in these body parts don’t absorb the x-ray energy, they appear grey on the film, whereas air absorbs nothing and appears dark. 
• However, bones have calcium that absorbs the X-ray energy, which is reflected in the film. So, this is why bones appear in white in the film. 

X-rays Properties 

• X-rays are a type of radiation with a wavelength between 10A and 0.01A.
• They travel as fast as light and are undetected by the human senses.
• X-rays can induce colour changes in multiple substances.
• Extreme exposure to X-rays can cause biological damage.
• X-rays can affect photographic films.
• X-rays can cause ionisation.

Uses of X-rays

• X-rays are used to check for breast cancer.

• Chest x-rays can spot pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, etc.  

• X-ray waves can identify bone conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. 
• It helps detect foreign objects, like the presence of swallowed coins or metal fragments.

• An X-ray can reveal if there is any abnormal positioning of bones or joints. 

Conclusion

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear X-rays is bones. However, X-rays are used in many sectors. There are different types of electromagnetic waves. Some waves are visible to human eyes, and some are not. X-rays are not visible to human eyes. 

Since William Roentgen wanted his invention to benefit many people, he did not patent the X-ray. Thus, X-rays are available at an affordable price today. This article has elaborated on the structure and functions of X-ray waves in an easily understandable way.