What are X-rays?

X-rays, or X-radiation, are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared radiation, and radio waves. X-rays, however, have much shorter wavelengths than visible light, and therefore have higher energy.

They are produced when high-energy electrons are slowed down or stopped quickly by heavy metals, such as lead or tungsten, and are used in medical imaging and many other applications, such as security and industrial inspection.

Properties of X-rays:

- Penetrating power: X-rays can penetrate through many objects, including human tissue, but are absorbed by dense materials such as bones and metal.

- Ionizing radiation: X-rays can ionize atoms and molecules, which means they can knock electrons out of atoms, creating free radicals.

- Biological effects: X-rays can damage living tissue, causing cell death, cancer, and other health problems.

- High energy: X-rays have high energy photons capable of penetrating through opaque objects and can even ionize atoms and molecules.

- Short wavelength: X-rays have a wavelength of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, which is shorter than ultraviolet radiation but longer than gamma radiation.

- Production: X-rays are produced when energetic electrons are suddenly stopped in a material (X-ray tube) or by the decay of some types of radioactive nuclei.

X-rays are commonly used in medical imaging because they can pass through the body and produce images of bones and other dense structures. They are also used in security scanners, where they can reveal objects hidden under clothing or in luggage.

X-rays are a powerful tool, but they must be used with care because of their potential for causing harm to living tissue.