Uses of X-rays
X-rays or Röntgen rays are the revolutionary discovery of the nineteenth century. In 1985, famous German scientist Prof. W.K. Röntgen discovered these rays. We know that cathode rays are nothing but electrons having very high velocity. These high-velocity electrons when suddenly strike a solid metal. Their properties make them very useful in medicine. The detailed images they provide help to diagnose disease, while radiography uses high-energy X-rays to treat cancer. In modem science, X-rays are extensively used for different purposes. Some of their uses are discussed below.
(1) In medical science: X-rays are used to detect the fracture of bones, to detect the displacement of bones, diseased organs and foreign bodies and growth in the human body. Decay of teeth and to identify decay in the root of the teeth X-rays are used. X-rays are used for the determination of diseases like ulcer, tumor, tuberculosis etc. Besides, X-rays are used to destroy cells.
(2) In detective departments: X-rays are used to detect the smuggling of precious metals like gold, silver, diamond etc. at the custom check posts and even to detect these valuable things in the stomach of human beings. These rays are also used to detect explosives and other contraband goods like opium, heroin etc in different containers.
(3) In industry: X-rays are used to detect any defect or hole inside the metal sheet to identify real diamond, to locate the presence of pearls in oysters, to detect the defect in welding, mould, casting etc. Nowadays they are used in leather industries and also to test the uniformity of the insulating materials and the quality of oil paintings.
(4) In commerce: In America, England, and other developed countries X-rays are used to test the quality of the food products e.g., coffee, chocolate cake etc. Unwanted materials in food products can poison the foods which can be detected by X-rays so that quality of the product can be ensured and goodwill of business is maintained.
(5) In laboratory: X-rays are used in laboratories to study the structure of crystals, arrangement of atoms and molecules in matter, and their behavior on diff materials. X-ray is also used in scientific research.
