X-rays And you
What are X-rays??? As you know, X-rays are a high frequency form of electromagnetic energy Short wavelength (high energy) according to the wave model Photons with a lot of energy according to the particle model
Where do they come from? We generate X-rays via the rapid de-acceleration of electrons – like this: − + − + ° ✗ − + − + Dense heavy metal Like tungsten
The process is called: Bremsstrahlung = braking radiation – when the e- hits the metal plate, it de-accelerates.
Did you know? X-rays have a variety of wavelengths??? (due to various rates of de-acceleration) Well what would a graph of the wavelengths produced look like? Great question!!!
Intensity (# photons/s) Max E (small λ) Related to # cut off e- / s Intensity (# photons/s) Max E (small λ) Related to # cut off e- / s .04 λ (nm) .1 An e- w/ 5x10-15 J of E will produce a photon w/ 5x10-15 J of E (max)
What are those weird peaks? Great question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When the in-coming e- knocks out inner shell e- s (n=1 or n=2), a “hole” is created. An outer shell e- can drop in to take the place of the displaced e-. When this happens, additional x-ray energy is released – hence the odd spikes. Recall that these metals have many orbitals so the drop from an outer orbital is a significant change in energy!
So does that mean - That if you use different metal – the spikes will not be in the same place???? Yes, this is true grasshopper. The spikes will shift depending on the type of metal used.
What would an X-ray of your brain full of knowledge look like? Like this:
Actually I know that one is an MRI Actually I know that one is an MRI. But it is more interesting than a x-ray image – so there!