Physical principle of imaging with X-rays

X-ray is an "electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target"(WordNet Search, n.d.). X-ray imaging begins with a beam of high energy electrons crashing into a metal target and x-rays are produced. "A filter near the x-ray source blocks" these low energy rays, which means only the high energy rays pass through a patient toward a sheet of photographic film. X-ray can penetrate liquids, gas and solids. The point of penetration is based on the intensity, quality and wavelength of the X-ray beams. The stronger the beam of X-ray the more it will material it can penetrate, and vise versa (Junior Dentist, n.p.)(How Does X-ray Imaging Work?, n.d.). These electromagnetic radiations or X-ray work on the absorption of low level radiation by parts of our body with higher density,making the radiation not absorbed hit the photographic 'plate' to form a 'negative image'. This means the waves of X-ray can penetrate through materials of light atoms, such as flesh, that is why flesh is not seen during imaging with X-rays. Bones, which are heavier atoms than flesh(due to the calcium in them), absorb the X-rays (How Does X-ray Imaging Work?, n.d.). The absorbed X-rays by the bones then glow on the photographic film. Meaning the higher the density of the material the brighter it will be imaged on the photographic film. (Reading the x-rays, n.d.).

Works Cited "Imaginis." How Does X-ray Imaginig Work? N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012. "Properties Of X-Ray." Junior Dentist. N.p., 21 June 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2012. "Reading the X-rays." Reading the X-rays. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012. "WordNet Search - 3.1." WordNet Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.