Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi, I am interested in how x-rays work. For exampe, how do x-rays work and how do they get an image that sees through the skin? Also can I make my own? Any feedback would be very helpful.

Hi RoySeto,

If you do an internet search for "how x-rays work," you will find plenty of resources to get you started. For example, here is a video from HowStuffWorks:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/x-ray.htm

X-rays are electromagnetic radiation (light) in a different part of the spectrum from the light we see (visible light). Because body parts of different densities absorb and refract light differently, using the high-energy x-rays allows us to take pictures of the denser body tissues (like bone).

Here is a page from Concordia College with some more information, including how to make your own X-ray box:
http://www.cord.edu/faculty/manning/phy ... ejuhl.html

I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions!

Heather