Røntgenelektronstrålen

Røntgenelektronstrålen, also known as X-rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz (3×10^16 Hz to 3×10^19 Hz) and energies in the range 120 eV to 120 keV. They are named after Wilhelm Röntgen, who discovered them in 1895. X-rays are produced by the deceleration of electrons when they are subjected to a high electric potential, typically in the range of 10 to 100 kilovolts. This process is known as bremsstrahlung, or braking radiation.

X-rays have a wide range of applications in various fields. In medicine, they are used for imaging and diagnostic purposes, such as X-ray radiography and computed tomography (CT scans). In industry, X-rays are employed for non-destructive testing of materials, such as in the inspection of welds and the detection of cracks or other defects. In science, X-rays are used in crystallography to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal, and in astronomy to study the hot gas in the interstellar medium and the universe.

However, X-rays also pose a health risk due to their ionizing nature. Prolonged exposure to high levels of X-rays can cause radiation sickness, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can result in more serious health issues, including cancer. Therefore, it is important to use X-rays responsibly and to follow proper safety protocols when handling and using X-ray equipment.