röntgenikiirtele

Röntgenikiirtele, often translated as X-rays or Röntgen rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet light. Discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895, they were initially called "X-rays" due to their unknown nature. These rays are produced when high-speed electrons strike a metal target, causing the electrons to decelerate and emit photons.

The primary characteristic of X-rays is their ability to penetrate matter, though the degree of penetration depends on the density of the material. Denser materials, like bone, absorb X-rays more effectively than less dense materials, such as soft tissues. This differential absorption is the basis for their widespread use in medical imaging. When X-rays pass through the body and strike a photographic plate or digital detector, they create an image that reveals the internal structures.

Beyond medical diagnostics, X-rays have applications in security screening, industrial radiography for inspecting materials, and scientific research, including X-ray crystallography for determining molecular structures. Prolonged or excessive exposure to X-rays can be harmful, as they are ionizing radiation and can damage living cells. Therefore, safety precautions are essential when working with X-ray equipment, particularly in healthcare settings.