The Basic Facts About X-Rays

An X-ray is an electromagnetic wave that is of a very high energy, and a very short wavelength. It can pass through most materials and objects, many of which are opaque to and impenetrable by light. The X-ray consists of photons which are hundreds, or even thousands of times more energetic that the photons of ordinary light. This is why X-rays can go through what light cannot. And by extending that thought a little further, we find that X-rays can penetrate through the flesh, blood and muscles of the human body.

The beginning: How the X-ray was discovered -

Interestingly, the X-ray was discovered by accident. German physicist Röntgen, while experimenting with electrical currents and cathode X-ray tubes, found that a compound of barium glowed even though it was encased in thick cardboard. He did further tests on the X-ray that caused the glow, and since it was not fully understood, it was dubbed as the X-ray, just like how any unknown quantity in mathematics is denoted by an 'X.'

His tests continued, until finally, he managed to discover that the X-ray could pass through human flesh undeterred, and thereby render an imprint of the bone structure. You see, the X-ray could not pass through the bones.

What are X-rays used for?

We are all familiar with the medical uses of the X-ray. Fractures, broken craniums, spinal injuries - you name it, it can be 'seen' with the help of an X-ray. But apart from this, here are some lesser known uses of the X-ray -

• X-ray methodology, known as radiology, can be used for examining paintings to determine their age, brushstrokes, and the techniques used in the painting. This helps in identifying the artist.

• Radiology is used in airport security, to scan through the luggage of passengers arriving and departing.

• X-rays are used in the industrial field as well, to inspect parts such as welds. This concept is called industrial radiography.

• X-rays can also be used for security purposes; to scan through any baggage that is likely to contain suspicious products.

• Radiography can be used not only to study damaged and broken bones, but also to study the movement of bones in a patient. This involves the placement of certain identification marks, and then using the X-ray to study the change in position of the bones over a period of time, with respect to those marks. This kind of radiography is especially helpful for conditions like scoliosis, where the bone is known to change position.