Røntgenstrålernes

Røntgenstråler, also known as X-rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to energies between 120 and 120,000 electronvolts. They were discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. X-rays are produced when charged particles, typically electrons, are accelerated or decelerated rapidly. This can occur in an X-ray tube, where electrons are emitted from a cathode, accelerated by a high voltage, and then strike a metal target.

The penetrating power of X-rays is their most significant characteristic. They can pass through many materials that are opaque to visible light, such as soft tissues of the body. However, denser materials like bone and metal absorb X-rays more effectively, creating contrast on photographic film or digital detectors. This property makes X-rays invaluable in medical imaging, allowing for the visualization of internal structures.

Beyond medical diagnostics, X-rays have numerous applications. In industrial settings, they are used for non-destructive testing, inspecting welds, and examining the internal structure of manufactured goods. In scientific research, X-ray diffraction is a crucial technique for determining the atomic and molecular structure of crystals. X-rays also play a role in security, as seen in airport baggage scanners. Prolonged exposure to X-rays can be harmful due to their ionizing nature, which can damage biological tissues and DNA. Therefore, precautions are taken to minimize exposure in all applications.