Hum 300 , history & methods of science

HUM 300 , history methods of science

9 . Why are X-rays used for medical diagnosis ? What other wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation are used in medicine

To answer the questions would mean defining the characteristics of an x-ray which makes it an essential tool in the field of medicine . X-rays are highly penetrating electromagnetic waves with extremely short wavelengths used in the medical field for medical diagnostic imaging X-ray beams passing through matter undergo the processes of absorption scatter , and fluorescence . Its electromagnetic radiation passes through the tissues of the body but gives

a very distinctive outline of the bones . Photons are normally blocked by dense structures like bones and results to its white appearance on film . X-rays has nondeflected electric and magnetic field with no charge (Sharma et al 2005 . Its electromagnetic wavelengths are highly penetrating and can pass through opaque tissues and solids towards light . It has the ability to cause fluorescence in substances and produce a photographic plate . It has shorter wavelength compared from substances of high atomic weights that makes it more penetrating . This has been conveniently used by physicians to locate foreign objects inside the human body in a nonintrusive technique without the use of surgery . X-rays are also used to evaluate bone integrity and joint diss of the human body . X-rays are good in revealing the conditions of the bones or any abnormalities of the bones like fractures without having to undergo surgery . X-rays reacts with photographic films after passing through body tissues which absorbs the electromagnetic energy at different rates producing contrasting pictures of the structures inside the body on a photographic plate

Other wavelength used in the medical field is ultrasonic waves or supersonic waves which are noted as very small wavelengths compared to audible sound . Ultrasound is commonly defined as the sound waves beyond human hearing for which its use in medical diagnosis is only second to x-rays . An ultrasound beam experiences both refraction and reflection which penetrates and interacts with the body making easily measurable transit times that permits radar-like pulse-echo methods . Ultrasound produces images from stationary and moving tissues . Other known medical diagnostic preferences are MRI , fluoroscopy , and CT scan . Lasers have its variety of applications in the medical field where there is a favorable interaction between the human tissue and the laser radiation Radiation wavelength , the tissues ability to absorb this wavelength and the delivered power on the treated area determines the success of this interaction . Science and physics has combined its forces in an effort to develop powerful interventions in the field of medicine

References

Sharma , H .C . et al (2005 . Comprehensive physics for engineers . New Delhi : Laxmi

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