[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
RE Radiation lesson & Electron tubes
Nice explanation, James Folsom.
I would add a couple of points xrays are high energy photons (but you
can call them rays). Gamma rays are even higher energy photons. As a
general rule, electron guns produce (very small amounts) of xrays
unavoidably and without much focus. That's why your TV and computer
monitor have so much lead in the glass -- leading the glass is enough
to absorb or slow down the higher energy levels and make TV safe for a
lifetime of viewing pleasure. Some electron guns tubes require
additional shielding here and there and if you ever look inside a TV
you might see a metal foil shield attached on the tube.
How bad xrays are for items in a package depends on how much exposure
(energy level and duration) the items get. I never met an xray I
really liked. High energy photons can strike and mess up DNA molecules
and thereby, potentially, goof up cell replication--the higher the
exposure, the higher the probability.
Repeated exposure can have ill effects on photographic film.
Scott H.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
http://personals.yahoo.com