X-Rays are defined as a weightless package of pure energy (Photon) that are without electrical charge and that travel in waves along a straight line with a specific frequency and speed. X-rays were first produced by Sir William Morgan unknowingly while conducting one of his experiments. The first dentist to practice radiography in Dentistry was by Dr. C. Edmund Kells, who used it in a Root Canal procedure on May 10, 1899.
X-Rays are pure energy having no mass and they transfer energy from one place to another in the form of photons. X-Rays do not have smell or sound and cannot be visible to the eye although they have the same wavelength as visible light.
The Properties Of X-Ray are divided into 4 headings:
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biological
- Physiochemical
A) Physical Properties:
- X-Rays are electromagnetic radiations having a wavelength between 10A to 0.01A
- In Free Space, they travel in a straight line
- Speed – 1,86,000 miles/sec (same as that of visible light)
- X-rays Cannot be Focused on a Single Point
- They are Invisible to Eye.
- Cannot be Heard
- Cannot be Smelt
- They cannot be Reflected, Refracted or Deflected by magnetic or Electric Field
- They show properties of Interference, Diffraction and Refraction similar to Visible light
- They Produce an Electric field at right angles to their path of propagation
- They Produce an Magnetic Field at right angles to the electric field and path of propagation.
- They donot require any medium for propagation
- Penetration: X-Rays can penetrate liquids, solids and gases. The degree of penetration depends on Quality, intensity and wavelength of Xyray beam.
- Absorption: X-Rays are absorbed by matter, the absorption depends on the anatomic structure of the matter and the wavelength of the xray beam.
- Ionizing Capability: X-rays interact with materials they penetrate and cause ionization
- Fluorescence: when X-Rays fall upon certain materials visible light will be emitted called fluorescence.
- X-Rays have the property of Attenuation, Absorption and Scattering
- They also show Heating effect
B) Chemical Properties:
- X-Ray induces color changes of several substances or their solutions Ex: Methylene Blue gets Bleached
- X-Rays bring about chemical changes in solution because X-Rays produce highly active radical OH ions in water, which react with the solutes.
- X-Rays cause the destruction of the fermenting powers of Enzymes
C) Biological Properties:
- The excitation property of X-Rays is used in the treatment of malignant lesions.
- X-Rays also have a germicidal or bactericidal effect
- Somatic Effect: This ranges from simple Sun Burn to Severe dermatitis or to change in blood supply to malignancy
- Genetic Effect:
D) Physiochemical Property:
- X-rays are capable of producing an image on a photographic film
- The surface of the photographic paper which is exposed to X-Rays will be developed and found blackened. The blackening is known as film density.
- The amount of blackening of the film depends on various factors like – Amount of radiation, Quality of radiation, Characteristic of a film, length of developing time, use of intensifying screens or Concentration and age of developing solution
Sources:
Oral Radiology – Principles & Interpretation (6th Edition) by While and Pharoah
Essential of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology by Freny R. Karjodkar
The dental community needs to start placing patient care and what is best for the patient as their priority. Furthermore, dentists that have knowledge of wrong-doing by other dental clinicians must start speaking up and protecting the patient! Dental boards and dental associations need to start protecting the patient not themselves. We are talking about peoples health and lives!
Thanks
I liked this post. :)
Good insight about X-ray propeties. I like this one.
X-rays can help the dentist to see in between your teeth or under the edge of your fillings. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save both time and money.
teeth are most important our life.
I love to find out about X rays and search more information about it.
X-rays can help the dentist to see in between your teeth or under the edge of your fillings. X-Rays are electromagnetic radiations having a wavelength between 10A to 0.01A.
Great post! :) Great site actually!
excelent
thanks a lot this help me lot
Thanx Mr host :) . I’m grateful to you . Kindly help us more ..thanx
U guys just saved my neck with answers to some radiography assignment I had…. Thnks alot
sir mere teeth m ek kala daag hai use kaise remove kare kuch upay batao sir plese.
Hey chandan,
The balck dot which you are mentioning can be caries which is your tooth being dissolved because of the acids produced by microorganisms, you should visit a dentist and get the caries part removed and filling done to prevent further spread.
Thanks for sharing all of this x-ray information! I have been assigned a project on determining the function and properties of x-rays, but I don’t know too much. It is amazing that x-rays can change the color of substances, but it cannot be heard, seen or smelt. You would think something so powerful would be more noticeable!
Good post…provide further more understanding on x-ray properties …help me a lot
Good post….
Nice write up.
I love it.
It was really helpful to finish of my assignment thank you so much
i like this post so much it helps in better study of
my isc examination
very good
according to me it was not really helpful
It would be great if you can mention what are things missing in this post which made it not really helpful to you….
Thanks for this helpful post my friend.
May u add the differents bt x_ray and ultrasound and CT and MRI ?
and thanks again
*the differences
Will you add more explanations in properties of x-ray……thank you
Great post! Have nice day ! :) jetes
sir
ur notes is so fanastic
i really need ur help sir
wht r d applications of X-rays
If possible , then i also need notes on electron & neutron diffraction
hoping for d best notes from u sir
thank u sir
Tnx for this sir. But please I will like to know more about an x ray and how it is been operated. Types of x ray, and the angles for x ray shooting. Tnx
excellent
Thank’s alot because it’s very beneficial especialy for us the student.
What is the ideal x-ray wavelength for dental use?
What is the best kilovolt and miliamper calibration?
Thank you
David
The range used for dental radiography is approximately 0.01 to 0.05 nm, this is approximately 1/10,000th of visible light. Due to the short wavelengths which mean higher energy and frequency, the Kilovolts for Dental X-rays is usually 100keV (0.05 nn). the milliampere calibration changes depending on the type of X-ray used for dental radiography and also the type of X-ray machine used.
Verry gud
Thanks a lot. I made notes from here; for my studies. Thanks alot
Awesome post
I like it
cool
Cool post …of help
Wow Excellent defined
Thanks a lot
Tomorrow i am going to my college and i discuss about X Ray ,Properties and Uses thanksss to us
I love it,
Briefly defined x rays.