X ray

X-ray

X-ray (pronounced: /ˈɛks reɪ/) is a form of electromagnetic radiation. The term is derived from the German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who discovered this type of radiation in 1895. He named it "X" to signify an unknown type of radiation.

Definition

An X-ray is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. When X-rays are used for medical imaging, they can create images of the inside of the body. This is possible because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation. Calcium in bones absorbs X-rays the most, so bones look white on the X-ray image. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less, and look gray. Air absorbs the least, so lungs and empty space appear black.

Uses

X-rays are used in various fields such as medicine, physics, and astronomy. In medicine, X-rays are used to visualize the internal structures of the body, such as bones and organs, to diagnose or monitor medical conditions. In physics, X-rays are used in crystallography to determine the structure of crystals. In astronomy, X-rays are used to study celestial bodies.

Risks

While X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool, they do carry risks. The main risk is exposure to radiation, which can cause cell damage and increase the risk of cancer over time. However, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during an X-ray is usually very low, and the benefits of having an X-ray often outweigh the risks.

Related Terms

• Radiation
• Radiography
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on X ray
• Wikipedia's article - X ray

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