P3.1 -

Question 1

What are x-rays?

Answer 1

Electromagnetic waves with short wavelengths and high energy

Question 2

What can and can’t x-rays pass through?

Answer 2

Pass through soft tissue

Absorbed by metal and bone

Question 3

How do x-rays cause ionisation?

Answer 3

Eject electrons from atoms

Question 4

Describe 2 ways x-rays be detected

Answer 4

1) Photographic film - dark where x rays hit it

2) Electronic detectors turn x-rays into electronic image on screen

Question 5

Describe 5 uses for x-rays

Answer 5

Industry - examine materials without damage

Airports - examine luggage in security

Medicine:

• Check for broken bones
• CAT scans combine x-rays at different angles -> 3D image of body
• Focused x-ray beams kill cancer cells