Section 18.

X-rays

• Nature of X-rays
• Production of X-rays

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18.1 X-rays (SB p. 4)

Nature of X-rays
X-rays
— high-frequency electromagnetic waves
— λ : 10−8 m - 10−10 m

• high penetrating power

• weak ionizing power
• diffraction in crystals
(X-rays are waves)
An X-ray film of a broken leg Go to

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18.1 X-rays (SB p. 4)

Production of X-rays
generated in X-ray tube

(2) e- accelerate to anode

(1) heated up to
emit e- (3) e- hit anode,
(thermionic emission) decelerate and emit
X-rays
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18.1 X-rays (SB p. 5)

Production of X-rays
large amount energy released at anode

Prevent overheating of anode

• use metal with
high melting point
(tungsten)
• use copper block behind
anode
→ conduct heat away

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 To section 18.2

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18.1 X-rays (SB p. 2)

Quiz

1. Which of the following is a nuclear

radiation? Answe
r
B. gamma radiation

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18.1 X-rays (SB p. 2)

Quiz (Cont)

2. Which of the following is not an

application of X-rays? Answe
r
A. Devices used to check the genuineness
of banknotes
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18.1 X-rays (SB p. 2)

Quiz (Cont)

3. Can you guess the meaning of “half-life”?

A radioactive substance has a half-life of
two years. Fill in the blanks. Answe
Date Activity in counts per second r
October 1998 3 200
October 2000 1 600
October 2002 800
October 2004 400

October 2008 100 Return to

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