X-Rays
by Stephen C
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Why I Chose This Topic
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Science Concept
X Rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light. Unlike light, however, x-rays have higher energy and can pass through most objects, including the body. Medical x-rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. If x-rays traveling through the body also pass through an x-ray detector on the other side of the patient, an image will be formed that represents the “shadows” formed by the objects inside of the body.One type of x-ray detector is photographic film, but there are many other types of detectors that are used to produce digital images. The x-ray images that result from this process are called radiographs. To create a radiography a patient is positioned so that the part of the body being imaged is located between an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. When the machine is turned on x rays travel through the body and are absorbed in different amounts by different tissues, depending on the radiological density of the tissues they pass through. Radiological density is determined by both the density and the atomic number of the material being imaged. For example, our bones contain calcium, which has a higher atomic number than most other tissues. Because of this property, bones readily absorb x-rays and therefore produce high contrast on the x-ray detector. As a result, bony structures appear whiter than other tissues against the black background of a radiograph. Conversely, x-rays travel more easily through less radiologically dense tissues, such as fat, muscle, and air-filled cavities such as the lungs. These structures are displayed in shades of gray on a radiograph.
X Rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light. Unlike light, however, x-rays have higher energy and can pass through most objects, including the body. Medical x-rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. If x-rays traveling through the body also pass through an x-ray detector on the other side of the patient, an image will be formed that represents the “shadows” formed by the objects inside of the body.One type of x-ray detector is photographic film, but there are many other types of detectors that are used to produce digital images. The x-ray images that result from this process are called radiographs. To create a radiography a patient is positioned so that the part of the body being imaged is located between an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. When the machine is turned on x rays travel through the body and are absorbed in different amounts by different tissues, depending on the radiological density of the tissues they pass through. Radiological density is determined by both the density and the atomic number of the material being imaged. For example, our bones contain calcium, which has a higher atomic number than most other tissues. Because of this property, bones readily absorb x-rays and therefore produce high contrast on the x-ray detector. As a result, bony structures appear whiter than other tissues against the black background of a radiograph. Conversely, x-rays travel more easily through less radiologically dense tissues, such as fat, muscle, and air-filled cavities such as the lungs. These structures are displayed in shades of gray on a radiograph.
Application
Discovered in 1901 x-rays have revolutionised the world of modern medicine. In fact, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was even awarded a Nobel prize for his discovery of electromagnetic radiation. Just like gamma rays, x-rays can’t be seen, felt or heard. Instead, they effortlessly pass through skin bone and metal to produce images that the human eye would never be able to see. Here are some of their most common usesToday x-rays are an integral part of contemporary hospitals and medical centers. This is their most common application, with doctor’s using machines to take photographs of a patient’s body. Photographic film is placed behind the body, with the x-ray then turned on. The rays easily pass through the skin, but take a little longer to travel through the bone. This is why bones appear much lighter in color. Using the results, doctors can develop effective treatment plans.X rays play an important role in the fight against cancer, with high energy radiation used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Patients undergo treatment outside the body (known as external-beam radiation therapy).Almost every airport on the planet is now fitted with some form of x-ray security system that scans baggage to check for dangerous items. In the past few years full body x-ray scans have also emerged as an additional security measure.
Discovered in 1901 x-rays have revolutionised the world of modern medicine. In fact, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was even awarded a Nobel prize for his discovery of electromagnetic radiation. Just like gamma rays, x-rays can’t be seen, felt or heard. Instead, they effortlessly pass through skin bone and metal to produce images that the human eye would never be able to see. Here are some of their most common usesToday x-rays are an integral part of contemporary hospitals and medical centers. This is their most common application, with doctor’s using machines to take photographs of a patient’s body. Photographic film is placed behind the body, with the x-ray then turned on. The rays easily pass through the skin, but take a little longer to travel through the bone. This is why bones appear much lighter in color. Using the results, doctors can develop effective treatment plans.X rays play an important role in the fight against cancer, with high energy radiation used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Patients undergo treatment outside the body (known as external-beam radiation therapy).Almost every airport on the planet is now fitted with some form of x-ray security system that scans baggage to check for dangerous items. In the past few years full body x-ray scans have also emerged as an additional security measure.
Famous Scientist
Wilhelm Roentgen, Professor of Physics in Wurzburg, Bavaria, discovered X-rays in 1895 accidentally while testing whether cathode rays could pass through glass. His cathode tube was covered in heavy black paper, so he was surprised when an incandescent green light nevertheless escaped and projected onto a nearby fluorescent screen. Through experimentation, he found that the mysterious light would pass through most substances but leave shadows of solid objects. Because he did not know what the rays were, he called them ‘X,’ meaning ‘unknown,’ rays.
Wilhelm Roentgen, Professor of Physics in Wurzburg, Bavaria, discovered X-rays in 1895 accidentally while testing whether cathode rays could pass through glass. His cathode tube was covered in heavy black paper, so he was surprised when an incandescent green light nevertheless escaped and projected onto a nearby fluorescent screen. Through experimentation, he found that the mysterious light would pass through most substances but leave shadows of solid objects. Because he did not know what the rays were, he called them ‘X,’ meaning ‘unknown,’ rays.
Career Path
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Radiologic and MRI technologists work in healthcare facilities and more than half work in hospitals. Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Radiologic and MRI technologists work in healthcare facilities and more than half work in hospitals. Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
