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X-rays

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

Uses

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).
Risks

Risks

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

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 or lead) between themselves and the X-rays.
Explanation

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
1

Forces & Motion

1.1

Basics of Motion

1.2

Forces

1.3

Effects of Forces

1.4

Stopping Distance

1.5

Forces & Elasticity

2

Electricity

3

Waves

4

Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5

Solids, Liquids & Gases

6

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7

Radioactivity & Particles

8

Astrophysics

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