Xsugárzás

Xsugárzás, commonly known as X-rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers and corresponding frequencies between 30 petahertz and 30 exahertz. They were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who was experimenting with cathode ray tubes. Röntgen observed that these rays could pass through opaque objects and cause phosphorescent materials to glow.

X-rays are produced when high-energy electrons strike a metal target. This interaction causes electrons to decelerate rapidly, emitting photons in the process. They can also be generated by atomic transitions where electrons move between different energy levels within an atom. The energy of X-rays allows them to penetrate soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials like bone, making them invaluable in medical imaging.

In medicine, X-rays are used for diagnostic purposes, such as detecting fractures, tumors, and foreign objects. Radiography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT) scans all utilize X-rays. Beyond healthcare, X-rays find applications in security screening, industrial radiography for inspecting materials, and in scientific research for crystallography and spectroscopy. While beneficial, prolonged or excessive exposure to X-rays can be harmful due to their ionizing nature, which can damage living cells and increase cancer risk. Therefore, safety precautions and protective measures are employed during their use.