X-ray Definition:
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than those of visible light. Wilhelm Roentgen X-rays were discovered in 1895. X-rays have the ability to penetrate matter to varying degrees depending on its density and composition. These are commonly used in medical imaging to visualize internal structures of the human body, such as bones, organs and tissues.
In X-ray imaging, a controlled dose of X-rays is directed towards the part of the body of interest. As X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or scattered by internal structures. A detector on the other side of the body picks up the transmitted X-rays, creating an image that displays differences in the density and structure of tissues.
X-ray imaging is widely used in clinical medicine to detect and diagnose a variety of conditions, including fractures, tumors, infections, and abnormalities in organs. It is a non-invasive and relatively quick imaging method, making it valuable in emergency situations. X-rays can also be used in medical applications, such as radiation therapy to treat cancer.
While X-rays have many medical applications, it is important to use them judiciously because of their potentially harmful effects. Prolonged or excessive exposure to X-rays can increase the risk of radiation-induced damage to cells and tissues. Therefore, radiation safety measures and proper shielding techniques are implemented to protect both patients and health care professionals during X-ray procedures.
Apart from medicine, X-rays are used in various fields such as materials science, industrial testing, airport security and archaeology. X-ray crystallography is a technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of crystals, providing insight into their properties and behavior.
Overall, X-rays have revolutionized medical diagnosis and continue to play an important role in health care, providing valuable insight into the internal structures of the human body.
X-rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. X-rays are named after the discoverer, Wilhelm Roentgen, who initially referred to them as "X" rays because their nature was unknown at the time. .
X-rays are produced when high-energy electrons strike metal targets, usually tungsten or molybdenum, in a device called an X-ray tube. The collision rapidly slows down the electrons, releasing energy in the form of X-ray photons. These photons can pass through many materials, but their absorption and scattering varies depending on the density and atomic structure of the material.
When X-rays interact with matter, they can undergo a number of processes. These include photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering, and coherent scattering. Photoelectric absorption involves the complete absorption of an X-ray photon by an atom, thereby releasing an inner-shell electron. Compton scattering occurs when an X-ray photon interacts with an outer-shell electron, resulting in a change in its direction and energy. In coherent scattering the X-ray photon interacts with the entire electron cloud of the atom, causing it to oscillate and emit the scattered photon without any change in energy.
In medical applications, X-rays are commonly used for diagnostic imaging. Radiography is the most common technique, where X-ray images are captured either on film or digitally using a detector. X-rays are particularly useful for viewing dense structures in the human body, such as bones. They can help detect fractures, tumors, infections, and other abnormalities.
Fluoroscopy is another medical imaging technique that uses X-rays. It provides real-time moving images of internal structures, allowing for dynamic examinations, such as tracking the movement of contrast agents during procedures such as angiography or barium swallow studies.
X-rays also have industrial applications, such as non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials. In NDT, X-rays are used to inspect objects for defects or structural integrity without damaging them. It is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing and construction.
It is important to note that although X-rays are valuable for medical and industrial purposes, they can pose risks if not used properly. Prolonged or excessive exposure to X-rays can potentially cause radiation-induced damage to living tissue. Therefore, radiation safety measures and appropriate dose limits are followed to reduce the risks associated with X-ray exposure.
