How are X-rays produced? State their properties and uses.

Production:

1. German physicist W. C. Rontgen discovered X-rays while studying cathode rays. Hence, X-rays are also called Rontgen rays. 

2. Cathode ray is a stream of electrons emitted by the cathode in a vacuum tube. 

3. X-rays are produced when cathode rays are suddenly stopped by an obstacle.

Properties:

1. They are high energy EM waves. 

2. They are not deflected by electric and magnetic fields. 

3. X-rays ionize the gases through which they pass. 

4. They have high penetrating power. 

5. Their over dose can kill living plant and animal tissues and hence are harmful.

Uses:

1. Useful in the study of the structure of crystals. 

2. X-ray photographs are useful to detect bone fracture. X-rays have many other medical uses such as CT scan. 

3. X-rays are used to detect flaws or cracks in metals. 

4. These are used for detection of explosives, opium etc.