6.4.3

X-Rays

Test yourself

X-rays

X-rays carry the second most energy of all the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.

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Uses

  • Low-energy X-rays are used for medical and industrial imaging.
  • High-energy X-rays are used to treat cancer.
  • X-rays are also used for security purposes to detect weapons in airports (and other places).
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Risks

  • X-rays are highly ionising (can damage body cells), even in low doses.
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Safety precautions

  • Due to the dangerous nature of X-rays, exposure to X-rays should always be kept to a minimum.
  • People working with X-ray equipment should always shield themselves to prevent exposure to X-rays.
  • These people will place materials (metals like lead) between themselves and the X-rays.
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Explanation

  • X-rays penetrate soft materials (like body tissue).
  • Bones are dense materials that absorb X-rays. We can use X-rays to build a shaded image of bones and body tissue.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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