An X-ray is electromagnetic radiation that has an extremely high frequency and short wavelength. It has a wavelength spanning from 10-8 to 10-12 and frequency from about 1016 to 1020 Hz (hertz).
X-rays are usually produced by decelerating or accelerating charged particles. Circulating electron beams in a synchrotron particle accelerator and electron beam hitting a metal plate in an X-ray tube are two prominent examples. Furthermore, highly excited atoms can emanate from X-rays with discrete wavelength properties of the energy level spacings in each of the atoms. The X-ray region of the electromagnetic range falls far outside the visible wavelength range. Still, the propagation of X-rays through objects (even biological tissues) can be easily recorded with photographic films and other sensors. The examination of X-ray photographs of the body is extremely vital in medical diagnosis.
Before the official discovery of X-rays, they were just another type of unidentified radiation emitting from discharge tubes. They were detected by scientists exploring cathode rays generated by such tubes, which were powerful electron rays that were first detected in 1869. Early Crooks tubes (developed around 1875) definitely emanated X-rays because researchers detected effects that were exclusive to them.
The earliest scientist credited to generate (unknowingly) X-rays was William Morgan. He published a paper describing the consequences of electrical currents passing through a partially void glass tube. It produced a glow due to X-rays. Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday further explored these results.
The video explains the discovery of X-rays.
In 1895, X-ray radiation was discovered by physicist Wilhelm Konrad Röntgen. It was detected while analysing the results of electron beams (cathode rays) in electrical discharges by low-pressure gases. Röntgen unearthed an incredible effect. A screen covered with a fluorescent substance positioned outside a discharge tube glowed even if it was protected from direct ultraviolet and visible light of the gas discharge. He found that invisible radiation from the tube streamed through the air and triggered the screen to fluoresce. He was able to show that the radiation causing the fluorescence derived from the point where the beam of electrons hit the glass wall (discharge tube). Opaque materials placed between the screen and the tube proved to be the new radiation form. Röntgen demonstrated this by generating photographic images of the human hand bones. His discovery of Röntgen rays became a milestone among the scientific community. It ignited the study of the subatomic world and the beginning of modern physics.
Important X-ray Questions with Answers
1) What are X-rays?
An X-ray is electromagnetic radiation that has an extremely high frequency and short wavelength. It has a wavelength spanning from 10-8 to 10-12 and frequency from about 1016 to 1020 Hz (hertz).
2) How are X-rays produced?
X-rays are usually produced by decelerating or accelerating charged particles. Circulating electron beams in a synchrotron particle accelerator and electron beam hitting a metal plate in an X-ray tube are two prominent examples. Furthermore, highly excited atoms can emanate from X-rays with discrete wavelength properties of the energy level spacings in each of the atoms. The X-ray region of the electromagnetic range falls far outside the visible wavelength range. Still, the propagation of X-rays through objects (even biological tissues) can be easily recorded with photographic films and other sensors. The examination of X-ray photographs of the body is extremely vital in medical diagnosis.
3) Who was the earliest scientist credited for the detection of X-rays?
Before the official discovery of X-rays, they were just another type of unidentified radiation emitting from discharge tubes. They were detected by scientists exploring cathode rays generated by such tubes, which were powerful electron rays that were first detected in 1869. Early Crooks tubes (developed around 1875) definitely emanated X-rays because researchers detected effects that were exclusive to them.
The earliest scientist credited to generate X-rays (unknowingly) was William Morgan. He published a paper describing the consequences of electrical currents passing through a partially void glass tube. It produced a glow due to X-rays. Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday further explored these results.
4) Who discovered X-rays?
In 1895, X-ray radiation was discovered by physicist Wilhelm Konrad Röntgen.
5) How did Wilhelm Konrad Röntgen discover X-ray radiations?
X-rays were detected while analysing the results of electron beams (cathode rays) in electrical discharges by low-pressure gases. Röntgen unearthed an incredible effect. A screen covered with a fluorescent substance positioned outside a discharge tube glowed even if it was protected from direct ultraviolet and visible light of the gas discharge. He found that invisible radiation from the tube streamed through the air and triggered the screen to fluoresce. He was able to show that the radiation causing the fluorescence derived from the point where the beam of electrons hit the glass wall (discharge tube). Opaque materials placed between the screen and the tube proved to be the new radiation form. Röntgen demonstrated this by generating photographic images of the human hand bones.
6) What are the main properties of X-rays?
X-ray radiations possess a shorter wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.
It needs high voltage to generate X-rays.
X-rays move in a straight line and do not have an electric charge.
They also have the capability of propagating in a vacuum.
7) What are the main fields that use X-ray?
Security, Astronomy, Restoration, Medical Science, and Production Industries are the main fields that use X-rays.
8) X-ray was discovered while analysing the results of _____ (cathode rays) in electrical discharges by low-pressure gases.
Answer: electron beams
Explanation: X-ray was discovered while analysing the results of electron beams (cathode rays) in electrical discharges by low-pressure gases.
9) The X-ray region stands between ultraviolet and _____ ray regions.
Answer: Gamma
Explanation: The X-ray region stands between Ultraviolet and Gamma ray regions.
10) ______ radiation is also known as roentgen rays.
Answer: X-ray
Explanation: X-ray radiation is also known as roentgen rays.
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Practice Questions
1) What is the difference between X-rays and Gamma rays?
2) How are X-rays used in medical diagnosis?
3) What is the wavelength range of X-rays?
4) What is the frequency range of X-ray radiation?
5) How can X-rays be detected?
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