How Röntgen accidentally discovered x-rays & changed the world

Sub : Sci

Sec : Msc

Context:

In 1895, while studying how cathode ray tubes emit light, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen noticed a fluorescent screen glowing mysteriously, despite being too far from the tube. This led to his discovery of X-rays, a new form of invisible radiation.

What are X-rays:

X-rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than visible light.
They can penetrate most materials, including the human body, to produce images of internal structures.
They are commonly used in medicine for diagnosing diseases, detecting bone fractures, and in industries like security for scanning luggage and identifying materials.

Initial Experiments and Discovery:

Röntgen discovered that these new rays had extraordinary penetrative power.
When he placed various materials including paper, wood, copper, and even metal between the cathode tube and the screen, the rays passed through, albeit at different intensities, suggesting their strong ability to penetrate matter.

Human Experiment:

Röntgen then tested the rays on human tissue. He photographed the bones in his wife’s hand, revealing the bones and her ring.
This experiment demonstrated the potential for the rays to photograph the internal structures of the human body, which would have significant medical applications.

Naming and Publication of Discovery:

Röntgen referred to the new rays as X-radiation (later shortened to X-rays) due to the “X” representing the unknown, as he had no idea about the exact nature of the rays at the time.
He wrote an article titled “On a New Kind of Rays,” which was submitted to the Proceedings of the Würzburg Physical-Medical Society. The paper described his experiments and findings, leading to widespread interest in his discovery.

Early use in Medicine:

In 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards used X-rays to guide surgery, making it one of the first medical applications of the technology.
During the British Nile Expedition of 1896, the army took X-ray machines to Egypt to locate bullet wounds and diagnose bone fractures.

Max von Laue’s Contribution:

In 1912-1913, physicist Max von Laue discovered that X-rays could be diffracted by crystals, much like visible light. This finding won von Laue the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Electromagnetic Radiation:

X-rays were later identified as a form of electromagnetic radiation, with a frequency higher than visible light.
This breakthrough helped explain their ability to penetrate matter and their potential for various applications in medicine, biology, and physics.

Safety Concerns:

It took several decades for the medical and scientific communities to recognize the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to X-rays, including radiation burns and cancer.
In the mid-20th century, efforts were made to develop safety protocols and better shielding to protect patients and medical practitioners from excessive radiation.