Röntgenäteilyllä

Röntgenäteilyllä, often referred to as X-rays, is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It possesses a wavelength shorter than ultraviolet light and longer than gamma rays. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered this radiation in 1895, initially calling it "X-radiation" due to its unknown nature.

X-rays are produced when high-speed electrons collide with a metal target within a vacuum tube. This process generates photons with enough energy to penetrate many materials that are opaque to visible light. The ability of X-rays to pass through soft tissues but be absorbed by denser materials like bone is the basis for their widespread use in medical imaging. Diagnostic radiography uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body, aiding in the detection of fractures, diseases, and other abnormalities.

Beyond medical applications, X-rays have significant industrial uses. They are employed in non-destructive testing to inspect materials for internal defects, such as cracks or voids in welds. In security screening, X-ray scanners are used at airports and other checkpoints to examine luggage and cargo for prohibited items. Research in fields like crystallography also relies on X-ray diffraction to determine the atomic and molecular structure of substances. However, due to their ionizing nature, prolonged or excessive exposure to X-rays can be harmful, necessitating careful shielding and controlled usage.