Penetration ability refers to the ability of X-rays to pass through matter without being absorbed. X-rays can penetrate substances that are opaque to visible light.
(I) Physical Effects
1. Penetration: Penetration refers to the ability of X-rays to pass through matter without being absorbed. X-rays can penetrate substances that are opaque to visible light. Visible light, due to its longer wavelength and lower energy photons, is partially reflected and mostly absorbed by matter upon impact, preventing transmission. X-rays, however, with their shorter wavelengths and higher energy, are only partially absorbed, with most passing through the interatomic spaces, exhibiting strong penetration. The penetration ability of X-rays is related to the energy of the X-ray photons; shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy and stronger penetration. Penetration is also related to the density of the material; denser materials absorb more X-rays, while less dense materials absorb less. This differential absorption allows for the distinction between different densities of tissues such as bones, muscles, and fat, forming the physical basis of X-ray imaging and radiography.
2. Ionization: When matter is exposed to X-rays, it causes electrons to be ejected from their atomic orbitals; this is called ionization. In photoelectric and scattering processes, the ejection of photoelectrons and recoil electrons from their atoms is called primary ionization. These photoelectrons or recoil electrons, during their travel, collide with other atoms, causing the ejection of electrons from the impacted atoms, which is called secondary ionization. In solids and liquids, the ionized positive and negative ions recombine quickly and are not easily collected. However, in gases, the separated charges are easily collected, and the amount of ionized charge can be used to measure the X-ray dose; X-ray measuring instruments are based on this principle. Ionization allows gases to conduct electricity, induces chemical reactions in certain substances, and triggers various biological effects in organisms. Ionization is the basis of X-ray damage and therapy.
3. Fluorescence: Due to their short wavelengths, X-rays are invisible. However, when they irradiate certain compounds such as phosphorus, barium platinocyanide, zinc cadmium sulfide, and calcium tungstate, ionization or excitation causes atoms to enter an excited state. As the atoms return to their ground state, the energy level transitions of valence electrons emit visible light or ultraviolet radiation, which is fluorescence. The effect of X-rays causing substances to fluoresce is called fluorescence. The intensity of fluorescence is proportional to the amount of X-rays. This effect is the basis of X-ray fluoroscopy. In X-ray diagnostics, this fluorescence is used to create fluorescent screens, intensifying screens, and input screens in image intensifiers. Fluorescent screens are used in fluoroscopy to observe the image of X-rays passing through human tissues, while intensifying screens are used in radiography to enhance film sensitivity.
4. Thermal Effect: Most of the X-ray energy absorbed by matter is converted into heat, raising the temperature of the object; this is the thermal effect.
5. Interference, Diffraction, Reflection, and Refraction: These effects are similar to those of visible light and are used in X-ray microscopy, wavelength determination, and material structure analysis.
(II) Chemical Effects
1. Photosensitivity: Like visible light, X-rays can sensitize film. When X-rays irradiate the silver bromide on the film, silver particles precipitate, causing the film to become "photosensitive." The degree of photosensitivity is proportional to the amount of X-rays. When X-rays pass through the human body, the different densities of tissues absorb different amounts of X-rays, resulting in different degrees of photosensitivity on the film, thus obtaining an X-ray image. This is the basis of using X-rays for radiographic examinations.
2. Coloration: Certain substances, such as barium platinocyanide, lead glass, and quartz, change color after prolonged X-ray irradiation due to dehydration of their crystals; this is called coloration.
(III) Biological Effects
When X-rays irradiate living organisms, biological cells are inhibited, damaged, or even necrotic, causing physiological, pathological, and biochemical changes of varying degrees; this is called the biological effect of X-rays. Different biological cells have different sensitivities to X-rays. X-rays can treat certain human diseases, such as tumors. On the other hand, they also harm normal tissues, so protection is necessary. The biological effects of X-rays are ultimately caused by their ionizing effects. Due to the various effects of X-rays, they are widely used in industry, agriculture, and scientific research, such as industrial flaw detection and crystal analysis. In medicine, X-ray technology has become a specialized discipline for diagnosing and treating diseases and plays an important role in healthcare.
Nature, rays, effects, substance, absorption, organism, different, effects, fluorescence, film
In 1895, while studying the phenomenon of gas discharge in a cathode ray tube, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered that a screen coated with barium platinocyanide
Penetration ability refers to the ability of X-rays to pass through matter without being absorbed. X-rays can penetrate substances that are opaque to visible light.
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