1.10 X-Rays & Gamma Rays Flashcards
X-Rays and Gamma Rays have the shortest/longest wavelength and lowest/highest frequency
Shortest wavelength, highest frequency
What are X-Rays’ main use?
To view the internal structure of objects and materials, including our bones
What do radiographers in hospitals do?
Radiographers in hospitals take X-ray images to help doctors diagnose broken bones - X-rays are transmitted by flesh but are absorbed by denser material like bones or metal
How can radiographers produce an X-ray image?
X-ray radiation is directed through the object or body onto a detector plate. The brighter bits of the image are where fewer X-rays get through, producing a negative image
What negative effects can X-rays cause and how do radiographers avoid this?
Exposure to X-rays can cause cell damage, so radiographers and patients are protected as much as possible, e,g. by lead aprons and shields and explore to the radiation is kept to a minimum
How do X-rays pass through the lungs or intestines?
They straight through parts that are mostly air
How do X-rays pass through the heart?
They pass partially through the fleshy parts
What can gamma rays be used for?
Gamma rays are used to sterilise medical instruments. If they’re absorbed by microbes, they kill them. They also pass through the instruments to reach any microbes hiding in crevices
Why is it better to use gamma rays to sterilise plastic instruments rather than boiling them?
If you boiled them, it might be damaged by the higher temperature
Why are gamma rays so useful for sterilising medical equipment or food?
Gamma rays can kill microorganisms without causing any other damage
Why is using X-rays and Gamma rays in medicine considered a ‘trade-off’?
Both of them are types of ionising radiation which can damage our cells and sometimes lead to cancer, however they also help us to diagnose and treat diseases so its often worth the risk; we just need to weigh up the pros and cons for each individual case
