X-Rays - GCSE Physics Definition

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic wave, similar to visible light, but with much higher energy and shorter wavelengths. They are invisible to the human eye, and because of their high energy, they can pass through many solid materials. This makes them very useful in medical imaging to look inside the human body, such as checking for broken bones. When X-rays hit a special film or detector, they create images, where bones appear white because they block X-rays, while softer tissues look darker. X-rays are also used in airport security to check the inside of bags and in other scientific and industrial applications. It's important to use X-rays carefully, as too much exposure can be harmful to living tissue. Healthcare workers use lead shields when preforming X-rays, to block out radiation and limit their exposure.