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.

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.

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.

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.