röntgenstrale

Röntgenstrale, also known as X-rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet light and longer than gamma rays. They were discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who was experimenting with cathode ray tubes. Röntgen observed that when electrons in the tube struck a target material, a new type of invisible ray was produced that could pass through opaque objects. He named these rays "X-rays" due to their unknown nature.

The medical applications of X-rays were quickly recognized. Their ability to penetrate soft tissues but be absorbed by denser materials like bone made them invaluable for imaging the internal structures of the human body. This led to the development of radiography, which remains a cornerstone of diagnostic medicine. Beyond medicine, X-rays are used in security scanners, industrial inspection, and scientific research, such as crystallography to determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials.

X-rays are produced when high-energy electrons collide with a target material. This interaction generates photons in the X-ray spectrum. While beneficial, X-rays are also ionizing radiation, meaning they can damage living cells. Therefore, precautions are taken to minimize exposure, especially in medical settings, through shielding and limiting the duration of exposure. The study and application of X-rays have profoundly impacted various scientific and technological fields since their discovery.