X - Rays

X – Rays are electromagnetic waves of high energy and very short wavelength produced when fast moving electrons strikes a metal target.

X – Rays are produced when fast moving electrons strike a metal target releasing their energy which is converted to X – rays.

THE X – RAY TUBE

It consists of emitter (cathode) for emitting electrons, Anode for accelerating the electron through the tube, metal target for producing X- rays when electrons stroke to it, the battery that supplies high current for heating cathode filament made of tungsten. External high voltage source for maintaining cathode and anode

PRODUCTION OF X – RAYS

When the cathode is heat at high temperature produces electrons.

Electrons accelerated by anode strike tungsten metal target. When electrons strike target produces X- rays.

Energy converted to X – rays are of very small percentage of their energy, with the rest grit being converted to heat.

Oil or any other cooling system can be used for cooling anode and reduce energy loss into heat to the anode.

TYPES OF   X – RAYS

There two categories of X – rays depending on their wavelengths which give rise to different properties

1. Hard X – rays
2. Soft X – rays

HARD   X – RAYS

Are X- rays of shorter wavelengths

PROPERTIES OF HARD   X – RAYS

1. They have high energy.
2. They have more penetrating power.
3. They are produced by a high accelerating potential
4. They are produced by very high velocity electrons that strike the target.

SOFT   X - RAYS

Are X- rays of longer wavelengths

PROPERTIES OF SOFT   X – RAYS

1. They have weak penetrating power.
2. They have lower energy.
3. They are produced by lower accelerating potential.
4. They are produced by low velocity electrons that strike the target.

APPLICATIONS OF X – RAYS

A.     IN THE MEDICAL FIELD

1.  X- Rays are used in hospitals to detect broken or fractured bones or some diseases in soft tissues.
2. They are used in the treatment of cancer by the destruction of diseased tissues.

NOTE

Soft X – rays are used in medical cases

B.      CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

This is the experimental study of arrangement of atoms in solids.

OR

Is the study of the arrangement of crystals.

C.      ASTRONOMY

X – Rays emitted from celestial objects are used in observational astronomy.

D.     SECURITY INSTALLATIONS

X – Rays are used for non – invasive security searches at Air pot and Seaports.

E.      INDUSTRIES

X – Rays are used in industries to inspect metal casting and welded joints for hidden faults.