By Paige, Dara and Haleigh

X-Rays

How X-rays were invented.

How An X-ray Is Performed

The X-ray Machine

What is an X-Ray?X-radiation (composed of X-rays) is a form of

electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 0.01

to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz (3×1016 Hz to 3×1019 Hz) and energies in the range 100 eV to 100 keV.

They are shorter in wavelength than UV rays and longer than gamma rays.

In many languages, X-radiation is called Röntgen radiation, after Wilhelm Röntgen,

who is usually credited as its discoverer, and who had named it X-radiation to signify an unknown type of radiation. Correct spelling of X-ray(s) in the English language includes the variants x-ray(s) and X ray(s).

Definition of an X-RayAn X-ray is a quick, painless test that

produces images of the structures inside your body – mainly your bones.

X-ray beams can pass through your body, but they’re absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through.

Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle appear as varying shades of grey.

For some types of X-ray tests, a contrast medium - such as iodine or barium - is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the X-ray images.

History of X-RaysX-rays were

discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (right), who received the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

Several important discoveries have been made using X-rays. These penetrating rays are also used in many applications.

Are X-Rays Harmful?In general we all have a basic

understanding that x-rays are harmful. But as with everything in life, x-rays have pros and cons. It’s just that these pros and cons tend to be quite polorising.

X-ray machines release electromagnetic energy that allows images of your bones and organs to be viewed without surgery. This light energy released in the machine is known to be very high in radiation.

When an x-ray hits an atom in your body, the electron of an atom changes into a charged ion that can cause the harmful chemical reactions. This can have the unfortunate side effect of killing or mutating cells in your body.