Discovery of X rays

In 1895 Conrad Rontgen,a German physicist,discovered a unknown type of radiation while experimenting with gas- discharge tubes. He found that this radiation could penetrate opaque objects and provide an image of their inner structures. Because of these mysterious properties,is called X-rays.

After the discovery of X rays ,their importance as a tool for medical diagnosis and therapeutic purposes. Both applications of X rays are the domain of the medical specialty known as radiology. X rays machines were the first widely used electrical instruments in medicine. In fact,hospitals still spend more money for the X ray equipment than for any other medical instrumentation.

Henry Becquerel,found a similar type of radiation from samples of uranium ore. Pierre and Marie curie,traced this radiation to a previously unknown element in the ore,to which they gave the name radium,the RAY. The process by which radium and certain other elements emit radiation is called radioactive decay,whereas the property of an element to emit radiation is called radioactivity.

X rays are electromagnetic waves having a wavelength range from 11010 to 3108 (m) These wavelengths are shorter than those of UV rays and longer than those of gamma rays. X rays are emitted by electrons, while gamma rays are emitted by the atomic nucleus X rays travel with the velocity of light. They are not deflected by electric and magnetic fields since they are not charged. They effect the photographic plates strongly.

Radiography They are useful in the detect fracture and dislocation of bones, as well as for detecting some disease processes in soft tissue. Computed tomography (CT scanning) A three-dimensional image of the inside of the body and used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Radiotherapy They are largely used to destory cancer and cure some skin diseases.