Discovery of X-Rays

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What is the significance of November 8th, 1895, in the history of x-rays?

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x-rays by accident on this day.

How did Roentgen demonstrate the ability of x-rays to pass through certain objects?

By covering a Crookes tube with black photographic paper and observing the glow on a fluorescent screen.

What was the outcome of Roentgen's presentation of his discovery to the physical medical society in 1896?

X-rays began being used clinically in the USA, leading to an 'x-ray mania'.

Why did Roentgen refuse to patent his discovery of x-rays?

He wanted to encourage further research and understanding of the technology. Signup and view all the answers

What property of materials determines their permeability to x-rays?

Density. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason behind using lead to protect oneself from x-rays?

Lead has a high density, which blocks x-rays. Signup and view all the answers

What is ionising radiation and give an example?

Ionising radiation is radiation that is capable of breaking a chemical bond, such as removing an orbital electron from an atom. An example is x-rays, which are a type of ionising radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What is cancer and how does it spread?

Cancer is a disease of the cells, where abnormal cells form tumours which are lumps of tissues. It can spread through the vascular system, lymphatic system, body cavities, and natural passages. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main types of ionising radiation?

The main types of ionising radiation are particulate radiation, which includes alpha particles and beta particles, and electromagnetic radiation, which includes x-rays and gamma rays. Signup and view all the answers

What are the natural, man-made, and medical sources of ionising radiation?

Natural sources include cosmic radiation from the sun and space, and radioactive isotopes found naturally in the environment. Man-made sources include medical procedures like X-rays and radiation therapy. Medical sources include radiation treatment for cancer and other medical conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of cancer and how do they refer to the primary site of the cancer?

Cancer can be classified into different types based on the primary site where the cancer starts to grow. Examples include breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Each type of cancer is named after the primary site where the cancer starts to grow. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different ways in which cancer can spread?

Cancer can spread through the vascular system, lymphatic system, body cavities, and natural passages. It can also spread through inoculation, surgical contamination, and transfer of cancer cells through bodily fluids. Signup and view all the answers