subject: X-Ray: What Is It? [print this page] X-Ray: What Is It? X-Ray: What Is It?
Though you often hear the term of X-ray, you might not have any idea on what it is actually. Thus if you are intrigued to know what it is and how it works, you can read the following info.
As the initial understanding, X-rays are such electromagnetic radiation brought by photons. These rays probably pass through, reflect off, or, are absorbed by a material based on its subatomic structure. It is just like the spectrum of visible light. Only, the difference lies on the fact that visible light is shorter in the electromagnetic scale. It means that X-rays perform bigger energy and smaller wavelength.
Do you know who discovered X-rays? You must often hear the term of roentgen dealing with X-rays. Indeed, these rays are discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen. This German physicist found them accidentally by which later his last name is used to name the rays. He found that one electron beam was eliminated by a fluorescent screen. He did some experiments by using several objects. Between the fluorescent screen and electron source, he put those objects. Later he put his own hand on the electron beam and saw the structure of his bone projected onto the screen.
The electron beam will send X-rays through the soft tissue on human's body when it is directed at a human body. Nevertheless, it can't penetrate hard tissue, including bone. This discovery is then developed for digital analysis in which an X-ray sensitive receiver captures the projection. Therefore, we can see the image of the bone on the projection screen.
This discovery gives significant contribution in modern medicine. Doctors use X-rays to diagnose tooth and bone structure. When you've got broken bones or toothache these rays are really helpful to determine further treatment. Also, diagnosis with X-rays is usually done as the initial treatment to detect problems in soft tissue, such as cancer. In addition to medical use, X-rays are also used in airports and public buildings for a means of security, to examine the contents of the visitors' belongings.
