Definition X Rays Electromagnetic Spectrum

An x ray or x radiation is a penetrating form of high energy electromagnetic radiation most x rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz 3 10 16 hz to 3 10 19 hz and energies in the range 124 ev to 124 kev x ray wavelengths are shorter than those of uv rays and typically longer than those of.

Definition x rays electromagnetic spectrum. Also the treatment for certain types of cancer involves the use of x rays. In this lesson learn about the similarities and differences between waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. In the electromagnetic spectrum x rays lie beyond the ultraviolet region. 5 2018 by live science managing editor jeanna bryner.

We usually talk about x rays in terms of their energy rather than wavelength. This puts the x ray wavelength between ultraviolet light and gamma rays. Electromagnetic waves form a spectrum of different wavelengths. Uv radiation is harmful as continuous exposure to these will result in skin and eye diseases.

X rays have wavelengths ranging from about 10 8 m or 10 nm to 10 13 m or 10 4. X rays are particularly well known due to their use as a diagnostic tool in medicine. The electromagnetic spectrum comprises the span of all electromagnetic radiation and consists of many subranges commonly. This spectrum includes visible light x rays and radio waves.

Electromagnetic radiation can be useful as well as hazardous. X rays are used by doctors to see inside people the machines are managed by a trained x ray technician. The electromagnetic spectrum ultraviolet rays uv rays lie in the wavelength range from around 10 nm to around 400 nm and have a frequency between the ranges 800 thz to 30 phz. They pass easily through soft tissues but not so easily through bones.

Electromagnetic spectrum the entire distribution of electromagnetic radiation according to frequency or wavelength although all electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum they do so at a wide range of frequencies wavelengths and photon energies. The electromagnetic spectrum includes x rays. This page was updated on oct. The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves microwaves light x rays and more.

Nasa s mission page on the electromagnetic spectrum explains how astronomers use x rays. X rays or x radiation are part of the electromagnetic spectrum with shorter wavelengths higher frequency than visible light. X rays have smaller wavelengths and therefore higher energy.