röntgenikiir

Röntgenikiir, 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 these rays could penetrate opaque materials, and he named them "X-rays" due to their unknown nature.

X-rays are produced when fast-moving electrons strike a metal target. This process generates photons with energies high enough to ionize atoms. The medical applications of X-rays are vast, primarily in diagnostic imaging. They can penetrate soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials like bone, allowing for visualization of internal structures. This has revolutionized the diagnosis of fractures, diseases, and other medical conditions.

Beyond medicine, X-rays are used in industrial radiography for inspecting materials and welds, in security screening at airports, and in scientific research, such as X-ray crystallography for determining the atomic and molecular structure of substances. While beneficial, exposure to X-rays carries risks due to their ionizing nature, which can damage biological tissues. Therefore, the use of X-rays is carefully regulated, and protective measures are employed to minimize exposure.