X-RaysThis is a scientific report on X-rays, its history, uses, implications and other relevant facts. More relevance will be given to its medical uses/importance as it was the most beneficial trait brought by X-rays. X-rays were discovered in 1895 when Wilhelm Conrad Röentgen was experimenting with electron beams in a tube gas discharge and observed a glow on one of its fluorescent displays every time the electron beam was turned on. It was a fact that fluorescent materials usually glowed in response to magnetic radiation, but the gas discharge tube was surrounded by thick black cardboard which, according to Roentgen, blocked most of the radiation. . Confused and curious, Roentgen then placed several objects between the tube and the light screen without anything different happening, only after placing his hand down was he able to see the silhouette of his bones projected onto the fluorescent screen. Not only had he discovered X-rays are invisible, high-energy electromagnetic radiation that tends to act the same as a particle and a wave, which is why x-ray detectors collect real x-ray photons.Fig. 1Bones and teeth are denser than skin or other soft tissues, so they absorb more X-rays. When X-ray film is placed on one side of the body and the X-rays are projected through the body, only the radiation passing through it the softest tissues reaches the film and changes color, which is why it is possible to see the silhouette of the bones allowing the diagnosis of broken or cracked bones. Examining softer tissues like the...... middle of paper ......rks.com/x-ray.htm> [Access date October 20, 2011] [Access date October 20 2011] [Access date October 20, 2011] October 2011] Ron Kurtus, 2007. Health risks associated with X-rays. [online] Available at [Access date October 22, 2011] Fred Kavalier, 2003. X-rays and radiation. [online] Available on [Access date October 22, 2011]Fig. 1 NASA, The electromagnetic spectrum. [online] Available at:< URL:http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/images/EM_Spectrum3-new.jpg> [Access date October 25, 2011]Fig. 2 [Access date October 22 2011]