RAD 142C - History and Properties of Radiography

Who is credited with the discovery of X-rays?

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen

What University was Wilhelm a professor at?

University of Wertzburg

When were X-Rays first discovered?

November 8, 1895

What chemical did Wilhelm use to produce the first X-Ray Image?

Barium Platinocyanide

What significant invention did Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen use in his discovery of X-rays?

Crooke's Tube

What was the public reaction to the discovery of X-rays?

Negative

What year did Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen receive the Nobel Prize?

1901

Who created dynamic fluoroscopy?

Thomas Edison

Who extracted radium from pitchblende in 1899?

Marie Curie

What was Radithor and when was it manufactured?

Radithor contained 1 microcurie each of Ra-226 and Ra-228 (Certified Radioactive Water) manufactured in 1928.

What happened to A. M. Byers after consuming Radithor?

He suffered severe health issues, including tooth loss and skull holes, after drinking it for two years.

What did Tho-Radia promise?

Instant curative and beautifying effects

What components did Tho-Radia contain?

Contained 0.5 g thorium chloride and 0.25 mg radium bromide.

What health issues did the young women painters of radium watch dials face?

Facial bone disintegration and dental problems due to ingesting radium.

What was the purpose of the Scrotal Radiendocrinator?

It was supposed to invigorate sexual virility.

Who invented the Scrotal Radiendocrinator?

William Bailey.

What are the properties of X-rays?

- Travel in straight lines

- invisible

- highly penetrating

- darken photographic film

- polyenergetic

- cause ionization

- electrically neutral

- cause scatter and secondary radiation

- travel at the speed of light

- produce heat during interactions

- cause certain chemicals to fluoresce.

- Cannot be focused by a lens (uses a collimator)

What year was Radium discovered?

1899

What is one of the key characteristics of X-rays regarding their travel?

They travel at the speed of light.

What is a unique property of X-rays related to photographic film?

They darken photographic film.

Are X-Rays visible?

No. They are invisible.

Do X-rays cause ionization?

Yes

What kind of radiation do X-rays cause?

Secondary and Scatter radiation

What does it mean that X-rays cause ionization?

They can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to chemical and biological changes.

Are X-Rays polyenergentic?

Yes

What is a notable health risk associated with the use of radium in consumer products?

Exposure led to severe health issues, including cancer and other serious conditions.

Who's hand was used for the first x-ray exposure?

Ana Bertha Roentgen