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Properties of X-rays

As the x-rays are part of electromagnetic spectrum or in other words these are electromagnetic waves (EMW) so they have all the properties of EMW viz.

1. They don't require medium to travel or they can travel in space.

2.They travel in straight line

3. They travel with speed of light in space

4. They are consists of photons which are chargeless, massless quanta of enrgy so no deflection is observed in electric or magnetic field.

other wavelenght specific properties

5. X-rays produce illumination when falls on flourescent materials.

6. Photons of X-rays can ionise(ejecting outer orbits electron) the gases when x-rays pass through them.

7.X-rays can pass through flesh but not pass through bones that is their penetration capacity depends on material they strike. In genral penetration capacity decreases with wavelength that is higher wavelenght has weaker penetration capacity.

8.X rays has wavelength in range 1-100 Angstrom so possess high energy so can exhibit photo electric effect when strikes a photo sensitive material.

9.X-rays can kill cancerous cells so used in radiotherapy