Röntgenstráum

Röntgenstráum, also known as X-rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies between 30 petahertz and 30 exahertz and energies between 100 eV and 100 keV. They were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who initially called them "X-strahlen" due to their unknown nature. Röntgenstráum are produced when high-energy electrons strike a metal target. This interaction causes the electrons to decelerate rapidly, emitting photons in the process.

Röntgenstráum are invisible to the human eye but possess the ability to penetrate many materials. This property makes them invaluable in various fields. In medicine, they are widely used for diagnostic imaging, allowing visualization of bones, organs, and foreign objects within the body. They can also be used in radiation therapy to treat cancer. Industrially, röntgenstráum are employed for non-destructive testing of materials, inspecting welds, and analyzing the internal structure of objects.

While beneficial, exposure to high doses of röntgenstráum can be harmful due to their ionizing nature, which can damage living cells and DNA. Therefore, safety precautions are essential when working with or being exposed to this type of radiation. Shielding and limiting exposure time are common protective measures.