TED-Ed: How X-rays see through your skin - Ge Wang

The video explains the accidental discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen, who noticed invisible rays passing through cardboard. These rays, later called X-rays, are produced when high-energy electrons in a cathode tube hit a metal component, releasing energy. X-rays can penetrate various materials, making them useful for medical imaging. However, 2-D X-ray images have limitations, as they only show the sum of interactions along the path. CT scans, which take X-ray views from multiple angles, provide detailed cross-sectional images, aiding in the detection of tumors, blood clots, and other medical conditions. CT scans have become a vital tool in modern medicine, with millions conducted annually worldwide.

What did Wilhelm Roentgen discover while experimenting with a cathode tube?

• Infrared radiation

• Ultraviolet light

• Gamma rays

• X-rays

Why are X-rays particularly useful for medical imaging?

• They are completely safe with no chance of causing mutations

• They have the same energy as visible light

• They are absorbed by all tissues equally

• They can create images of organs without causing harm

What determines the likelihood of X-ray collisions with matter?

• The color of the material

• The density and atomic number of the material

• The age of the material

• The temperature of the material

How do CT scans differ from traditional X-ray images?

• CT scans are less detailed than traditional X-rays

• CT scans provide 3-D images by taking X-rays from multiple angles

• CT scans use sound waves instead of X-rays

• CT scans are only used for dental imaging

What is one of the medical conditions that CT scans can help detect?

• Skin rash

• Common cold

• Migraine

• Heart disease