Xraysäteily

X-raysäteily, also known as X-radiation, is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers. These wavelengths correspond to photon energies between 100 eV and 200 keV. X-rays are produced when charged particles, typically electrons, are accelerated to high speeds and then suddenly decelerated, or when electrons interact with the inner shells of atoms. This process can occur in X-ray tubes, where electrons are emitted from a heated filament and accelerated towards a metal target.

Due to their high energy, X-rays are capable of penetrating matter. The degree of penetration depends on the energy of the X-rays and the density and atomic composition of the material they encounter. This property makes X-rays useful in medical imaging, where they can pass through soft tissues but are absorbed to varying degrees by denser materials like bone, creating a contrast that can be visualized. X-rays are also used in industrial applications for non-destructive testing and in scientific research for crystallography and spectroscopy.

While beneficial, X-rays are also ionizing radiation, meaning they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules. This ionization can damage biological tissues and increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, precautions are taken to minimize exposure to X-rays, particularly in medical settings, through shielding and limiting the duration of exposure.