X-Rays
are:
- high frequency,
high energy electromagnetic rays.
- undetectable
by the human senses
- very penetrating
- cause low localized
ionization.
- generated when
high energy electrons strike a metal target
Production
of X-rays
The equipment that produces X-Rays is called the X-ray tube,
X-rays are generated
when high energy electrons stike a metal target. The kinetic
energy of the electrons is transformed into electromagnetic energy - some of that energy is in the X-ray region of the spectrum.
Two kinds of
x-rays are generated during this process.
Brehmsstrahlung
radiation, also called "braking radiation" or white x-rays
is produced due to electron deceleration.
Characteristic
x-rays are also produced when electrons in target metal
make transitions between atomic energy levels.
Uses:
- Imaging for
detection of broken bones or tumours: simple X-ray, CT scanning,
barium meal scanning.
- High energy
ones for treatment of cancer (destroying cells)
- As incident
beams in 'material characterization technologies' (ways of finding
out the properties of materials), such as X-ray Diffraction, X-ray
Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Auger Electron Spectroscopy.
Barium
Meal and Enema
Brehmsstralung
radiation
Characteristic
X-rays
The
X-Ray Tube
Potential
Dangers of X-Rays
Image Intensifiers
Intensifying
Screens
A-Level Medical Option Page
Images
(and some of the text) on this topic are reproduced with kind permission
from the author of (http://www.aml.arizona.edu/~mse480/grouppages/group3/source%20x%20ray.html) - But sadly the page no longer exists!
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