Röntgenen

Röntgenen, also known as X-rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. They have wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet light but longer than gamma rays. This property allows them to penetrate soft tissues but be absorbed by denser materials like bone.

The primary application of X-rays is in medical imaging, where they are used to diagnose a variety of conditions. A beam of X-rays is passed through the body, and a detector on the other side records the intensity of the radiation that has passed through. Denser tissues absorb more X-rays, appearing lighter on the resulting image, while less dense tissues allow more X-rays to pass through, appearing darker. This technique is invaluable for visualizing bones, detecting fractures, and identifying abnormalities within organs.

Beyond medicine, X-rays have industrial uses, such as inspecting manufactured goods for defects and in security screening at airports. They are also used in scientific research, particularly in crystallography to determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials. While beneficial, prolonged exposure to X-rays can be harmful, so safety precautions are strictly adhered to during their use.

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