115th Anniversary Of Discovery Of X-Ray

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oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Monday, November 8, 2010, 11:12

Today is celebrating 115th anniversary of discovery of X-Ray, one of the most important discoveries in the world of science and technology. X-Ray was discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, in 1896.

One day Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, while working with a fluorescent light bulb, he evacuated the tube of all air and filled it with gas. He then passed the high electric voltage through it. Suddenly he noticed a fluorescent glow. He covered the tube with a thick sheet of paper but then noticed the light reflect on a screen. He realized the presence of an 'invisible light' which can penetrate through even a screen. His later experiments revealed that this 'invisible light can also penetrate through human body. Thus was the discovery of X-Ray.

X-Ray, is an electromagnetic radiation. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, explains that X-Ray, is a form of electromagnetic radiation. As the wavelength of the light decreases, it increases in energy. X-Ray lights act more like particles than a wave. The X-Ray machine passes individual X-Ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A special film is used to record the image. Dense structures like bone and teeth, appear white. Structures containing air like muscle, fat etc appear gray.

Roentgen's first experiment was in late 1895. The first film after the discovery of X-Ray was his wife Bertha's hand with a ring on her finger. X-Ray was first utilised clinically in early 1896 in United States. It was called X, as he did not have a name for it. After the discovery of X-Ray, many urged him to name it after his name but he like it to be known as 'X-Ray' and thus it is still named. Today, Google celebrates the 115th anniversary of discovery of X-Ray.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.