Why don't x-rays reach the surface?

Answer 1

X-rays are a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It consists of electromagnetic waves that have unique characteristics based on their wavelength or frequency.

Human beings can only perceive light that has a wavelength about 10-6 metres. This spectrum consists of all visible lights, from red to violet. X-rays, on the other hand have a wavelength of 10-10 metres, much beyond the range of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the naked eye.

It is therefore not possible to see X-rays, although all of the electromagnetic spectrum is fundamentally the same. It is the inherent property of the human eye to be able to see only the frequencies that are present in the visible spectrum

Answer 2

Visible light and X-rays are the same physical phenomenon, and travel with the same speed.

They differ in . . .

-- frequency (X-rays are higher)

-- wavelength (visible are longer)

-- energy per photon (X-rays are higher)

-- damage to living tissue (X-rays cause more)

Answer 3

X-rays do reach the Earth's surface, but most of them are absorbed and scattered by the Earth's atmosphere before reaching the ground. This is because the atmosphere acts as a shield, protecting the surface from the harmful effects of high-energy radiation.

Answer 4

No. Human eyes can not see light at the X ray part of the spectrum.

Answer 5

The only type of radiation that humans can see is visible radiation. That is only because we have special cells in our eyes that allows us the see it.

Answer 6

No, x-rays travel at the same observable speed as any other electromagnetic wave including light.

Answer 7

-- frequency

-- wavelength

-- penetration

-- energy per quantum

-- absorption in air

Answer 8

Most are absorbed by the atmosphere.