. . . the bare bones revealed!
X-rays
were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen. The properties
of x-rays include penetrating and ionising ability. This makes
them both useful and dangerous. X-rays are produced when electrons moving at high speed strike metals of high atomic
number.
Production of x-rays takes place in evacuated tubes using high
voltages to accelerate the electrons.
In the distant past, people had to break a bone
to encounter x-rays. More recently a routine dental check-up
often included the use of x-rays. Presently, whenever flying,
the airport security check uses x-rays.
Aim
To provide a resource for physics students to learn about x-rays
Objectives
To enable students to understand
...how x-rays are produced
...how x-rays relate to the rest of physics
...what are the distinctive properties of x-rays
...what are the applications and hazards of x-rays
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