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X-rays were discovered on 8 November 1895 by a German Physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen.
X-ray is defined as an electromagnetic radiation having very short wavelength and having very high energy. The frequency of X rays are ranging from 30 petahertz (101015 Hz) to 30 exahertz (301018 Hz).
The wavelength of X-rays is longer than the Gamma rays, and shorter than Ultraviolet rays. The wavelengths of X Rays are from 10-12 m (picometer) to 10-9 nanometer X-rays have many applications and in this article we will learn some important uses of X rays and also its characteristics.
Introduction
X-Ray is also termed as the Roentgen radiation. X-Ray is defined as an electromagnetic radiation having the energy ranges from 124 eV to 124 keV. But, a wave with such energy can easily travel from transparent object to opaque object.
X-rays were discovered accidentally in 1895 by a German scientist Roentgen. Roentgen was awarded for his great work in 1901.
X-rays are extremely high penetrating electromagnetic radiation that have proved to be a very powerful tool for the study of the crystal structure, in the radiography of metals, in material research, and also in the field of medical sciences.
How are X-Rays produced?
Roentgen found that when X-rays passed through hands and arms or any other part of the body, they create very clear and also detailed images of the inner bones.
Work of X-Rays.
When a doctor performs an X-ray of a patient, firstly an x-ray sensitive film is put on one side of the patient’s body and after that the X-rays are shot through him. While the skin is transparent, the bones are opaque and hence absorb more X-rays (because X-rays cross the opaque object). This is the reason why the impression of the bones is left on the X-rays film whereas the skin continues to be invisible in the x-ray.
Properties of X-Rays
There are many properties of X-rays in which some of them are given.
X-rays having short wavelength and high penetrating ability are very destructive, this is the reason why they are known as hard X-rays.
The uses of X-rays in the medicinal field have less penetrating power and longer wavelengths and hence they are called soft X-rays. X-ray waves possess a dual nature.
The wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum of X-rays are short.
X-Rays require high voltage to produce.
X-Rays are used to detect the defects of the human skeleton.
X-rays waves always travel in a straight line and they do not carry any electric charge with them.
And also the X-rays are capable of travelling in a vacuum.
X-Rays cannot be easily refracted.
X-rays waves are not affected by electromagnetic fields.
The wavelength of X-rays lies between 0.1 A° and 1 A°.
X-Rays cause photoelectric emissions.
Types of X-Rays
There are many types of X-rays which are recognized by medical science in which some of the important are given.
Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder X-rays
Teeth and bones X-rays
Standard Computed Tomography
Chest X-ray
Lungs X-ray
Abdomen X-ray
Use of X-Rays
There are many different and important uses of X-rays in which some of them are given.
Medical Use
The most important use of X-rays are for medicinal purposes. It is used to detect the breakage in human bones.
Security
X-rays are used as a scanner which scans the luggage of passengers in rail terminals, airports and other such places.
Astronomy
X-rays which are emitted by celestial objects are studied to understand the environment.
Industrial Use
X-ray is widely used for the detection of the defects in the welds.
Restoration
X-rays are used for the restoration of old paintings.
Conclusion
X-Rays were discovered on 8 November 1895 by a German Physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. Roentgen found that when X-rays passed through hands and arms or any other part of the body, they create very clear and also detailed images of the inner bones. X ray waves possess a dual nature. X-Rays having short wavelength and high penetrating ability are very destructive, this is why they are known as hard X-Rays.
The uses of X rays in medicinal fields have less penetrating power and longer wavelengths and hence they are called soft X-rays. X-ray which are emitted by celestial objects are studied to understand the environment. Continuous spectrum appears only due to the retardation of electrons.
