How are X-rays produced?

X-rays are produced when high-energy electrons collide with a metal target.

When a high-energy electron collides with a metal target, it can transfer some of its energy to an inner-shell electron of the metal atom. This causes the inner-shell electron to be ejected from the atom, leaving a vacancy in the inner shell. An outer-shell electron then fills the vacancy, releasing energy in the form of an X-ray photon.

The energy of the X-ray photon produced depends on the difference in energy between the inner and outer shell electrons involved in the process. This is known as the binding energy of the electron, and it varies depending on the element of the metal target.

X-rays can also be produced through other methods, such as synchrotron radiation, which involves accelerating electrons to near-light speeds and bending their path using magnets. This produces a highly intense beam of X-rays that can be used for scientific research.

X-rays are widely used in medical imaging, as they can penetrate soft tissue and produce images of bones and internal organs. However, exposure to high levels of X-rays can be harmful, as they can damage DNA and cause mutations that may lead to cancer. Therefore, precautions such as shielding and limiting exposure time are necessary when working with X-rays.