Radiation Protection Glossary

X-rays are part of the Electromagnetic spectrum . They are a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation and consist of quantum's of energy (Photon ). X-rays are commonly produced by the excitation of atomic Electrons , by firing electrons between a high potential difference towards a target (which is the principle of an x-ray machine). The target electrons are excited, and as they de-excite x-ray photons are produced. X-rays can also be produced as a result of Bremsstrahlung or by nuclear reactions. X-rays have many uses including medical imagining and industrial quality assurance.