X-rays are a type of invisible radiation that can pass through our bodies and objects. They are widely used in the field of medicine because they allow doctors to see inside our bodies without surgery. Let's dive into how x-rays work.
X-rays are a kind of electromagnetic radiation, like light or radio waves, but they have higher energy than light. This high energy allows them to go through objects that light cannot.
The discovery of x-rays happened by accident in the late 19th century. A scientist was experimenting with cathode rays and noticed that a nearby screen started to glow, even though it was not directly exposed to the cathode rays. He realized that something invisible was causing the fluorescence and named it x-ray.
X-rays can pass through many objects, like flesh and bones, but not through denser materials like metal. They can create images on photographic plates, similar to how a camera takes pictures.
When a doctor wants to take an x-ray of a body part, they ask the patient to stand or lie down next to a machine with a special plate. The plate captures the x-rays that pass through the body part, creating an image of the bones and other structures inside the body.
Denser materials like bones absorb more x-rays, so they appear white in the x-ray image. Less dense tissues like muscles and organs allow some x-rays to pass through, so they appear as gray shadows.
Now, let's talk about a new technique called muography that allows us to see inside objects without using x-rays.
Muography uses a special type of particle called a muon, which is similar to an electron but heavier. Muons are created in the Earth's atmosphere when cosmic rays collide with air molecules.
Muons can pass through different materials, including rock, soil, and buildings. Scientists discovered this in the 1950s when studying cosmic rays and noticed that some particles could pass through thick materials.
Muons can be detected using special devices called muon detectors, which are usually placed underground or in specially designed laboratories to shield them from other particles and background radiation.
To perform muography, detectors are positioned around an object or in the area being examined. When muons pass through a detector, they leave a trace that can be collected and used to reconstruct their paths.
The Earth's atmosphere acts as a natural filter for muons, blocking more particles when there is a large, dense object in the way. By comparing the number of particles that reach the detectors, scientists can get clues about what's inside the object.
Computer algorithms and mathematical techniques are used to analyze the data and create images that represent the density distribution of the object studied.
Muography has been used to study various objects and structures, such as volcanoes, pyramids, mountains, and the Earth's crust.
Using muography, scientists have uncovered new information about the Great Pyramid of Giza, including the discovery of a hidden chamber called the "big void." Egyptian authorities used an endoscope camera to confirm the existence of this chamber. There are theories suggesting that the corridor leading to the void was built to relieve pressure inside the pyramid or as part of the pyramid's construction process.
I hope this information satisfies your curiosity. If you enjoyed learning about x-rays and muography, please consider liking and sharing this video with your friends. For more fascinating topics, click on these videos and stay curious!
About the Creator
Veng Sreypich
I belive in science,education.



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