X-rays

• X-rays are powerful waves of energy. Like light, X-rays are a form of radiation.

How do X-rays work?

• An X-ray machine makes X-rays and directs them toward an object.
• The X-rays pass through some parts of the object but are blocked by other parts.
• For example, X-rays directed at a body pass through the skin and soft tissues, such as muscle.
  • But hard body parts, such as bones, block the X-rays.
• Special film behind the body captures the image made by the X-rays.
• When the film is developed, the hard parts appear white on the film. The soft parts appear black.

What Are The Uses Of X-Rays?

• They are very useful because they can go through substances that light cannot.
• X-rays can show images, or pictures, of the inside of an object, such as a suitcase or the human body.

Medical Uses

• X-rays are an important tool in medicine and dentistry.
• Doctors use X-rays to find diseases such as cancer and to study broken bones.
• Dentists use them to spot cavities in teeth.
• X-rays can damage or destroy the body’s cells.
• To protect the patient, the parts of the body that are outside the area being examined are shielded from the X-rays.
• But the damaging effects of X-rays can be useful, too.
• Doctors sometimes use X-rays to kill cancerous growths.

Other Uses

• Scientists use X-rays to study the structure of many things, both living and nonliving.
• Special X-ray telescopes pick up X-rays given off by objects in outer space, such as distant stars.
• Manufacturers use X-rays to find hidden flaws in products.
• At airports, security equipment uses X-rays to look for hidden weapons in the baggage of travelers.