ELECTROMAGNETIC

RADIATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC
RADIATION

Electromagnetic radiation is a special

kind of energy that travels in waves
through space. It is like a wave of
energy that can move without
needing anything else to carry it,
even in empty space.
 TYPES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC
RADIATION

Radio waves Microwaves Infrared Visible Light

 TYPES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC
RADIATION

Visible Light Ultraviolet X-Radiation Gamma Ray

 X-RAY
RADIATION

Having wavelengths in the range

between 0.01 nm to 10 nm. They have a
frequency range between 30 PHz to
30 EHz and energies ranging from 100
eV to 100 keV.
 BACKGROUND
Abstract. W.C. Röntgen reported the
discovery of X-rays in December 1895 after
seven weeks of assiduous work during
which he had studied the properties of this
new type of radiation able to go through
screens of notable thickness. He named
them X-rays to underline the fact that their
nature was unknown.
 USES

Medical application

Industrial inspection

Nuclear medicine
 MEDICAL
APPLICATION
Detects bone fractures, certain tumors and
other abnormal masses, pneumonia, some
types of injuries, calcifications, foreign
objects, or dental problems.
Mammography: A radiograph of the breast
that is used for cancer detection and
diagnosis.
 INDUSTRIAL
INSPECTION
Because x-rays and gamma rays can
travel through different types of
materials, such as air, soil and water,
industrial radiography is useful in
inspecting materials without having
to move or damage the material
itself.
 NUCLEAR
MEDICINE

Image is formed from the

ionising radiation (usually
gamma rays) emitted from
within the body.
 ADVANTAGES
Penetration power
Y-rays and X-rays have
higher penetrating power
than α-particles or β-
particles, travel several tens
to hundreds of meters in the
air (depending on their
energy) and gradually lose
their energy as they collide
with atoms in the air.
Precision of cancer
X-rays are effective
in detecting cancers
that cause changes in
bone density, such as
lung cancer, breast
cancer, and bone
cancer.
 DISADVANTAGE

Ionizing radiation
We say that x-rays are “ionizing,” meaning that
they have the unique capability to remove
electrons from atoms and molecules in the
matter through which they pass. Ionizing
activity can alter molecules within the cells of
our body. That action may cause eventual harm
(such as cancer).
 DISADVANTAGE

Safety Concerns
While there is an extremely low risk of short-
term side effects, exposure to high radiation
levels can have a range of effects including
vomiting, fainting, and hair loss.
 DISADVANTAGE

Imaging or Treatment
X-rays and other types of high-energy
radiation can be used to destroy cancerous
tumors and cells by damaging their DNA.
 PROCESS

GENERATION

CAPTURE AND DETECTION

IMAGING OR TREATMENT
 GENERATION

Simply understood, the generation of X-rays

occurs when electrons are accelerated under a
potential difference and turned into
electromagnetic radiation. [1] An X-ray tube,
with its respective components placed in a
vacuum, and a generator, make up the basic
components of X-ray production.
 CAPTURE AND
DETECTION

Photographic film was used by Röntgen as

one of the first X-ray detectors, and this
simple technique remains in wide use in
medical applications.
 IMAGING OR
TREATMENT
An X-ray study (also called a radiograph) is a type
of medical imaging (radiology) that creates
pictures of your bones and soft tissues, such as
organs.

They're mainly used to look at the bones and

joints, although they're sometimes used to detect
problems affecting soft tissue, such as internal
organs.
GAMMA RAYS IN THE
ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM
Gamma rays are a form of
electromagnetic radiation with the
shortest wavelengths and the highest
frequencies in the electromagnetic
spectrum. They are beyond X-rays in
terms of energy.
 BACKGROUND
Gamma rays were discovered in the early
20th century and are associated with
nuclear processes and high-energy events,
such as radioactive decay and certain types
of nuclear reactions
.
They have extremely high penetrating
power and are ionizing radiation.
 USES

Medical application

Industrial inspection

Nuclear medicine
 MEDICAL
APPLICATION

Gamma rays are used in cancer

treatment through radiation therapy,
targeting and destroying cancer
cells.
 INDUSTRIAL
INSPECTION

Gamma rays are employed for non-

destructive testing of materials,
detecting flaws, and ensuring the
integrity of structures like pipelines
and welds.
 NUCLEAR
MEDICINE

Gamma ray emitting isotopes are

used in various medical imaging
procedures, such as gamma camera
scans and positron emission
tomography (PET) scans.
 ADVANTAGES

Penetration power Precision of cancer

Gamma rays can In radiation therapy,
penetrate deeply into gamma rays can be
materials, making precisely targeted to
them useful for destroy cancer cells
imaging and while minimizing
damage to surrounding
treatment.
healthy tissue.
 DISADVANTAGE

Ionizing radiation
Gamma rays are highly ionizing and
can cause damage to living tissues,
posing potential health risks.
 DISADVANTAGE

Safety Concerns
Handling and exposure to gamma-
emitting sources require strict safety
measures to prevent harm.
 PROCESS

GENERATION

CAPTURE AND DETECTION

IMAGING OR TREATMENT
 GENERATION

Gamma rays are often produced

through nuclear reactions,
radioactive decay, or high-energy
processes.
 CAPTURE AND
DETECTION
In medical applications, gamma rays
emitted by a radioactive isotope are
detected using specialized
equipment.
 IMAGING OR
TREATMENT
In medical imaging, the detected
gamma rays create images of
internal structures. In radiation
therapy, precisely controlled gamma
rays are targeted at cancerous
tissues.
 IMAGING OR
TREATMENT
The use of gamma rays involves careful
consideration of safety protocols due to
their potential hazards. Advances in
technology and safety measures
continue to improve the efficacy and
safety of gamma ray applications.
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