How do X-ray machines work?

Answer 1

An X-ray machine is essentially a camera. Instead of visible light, however, it uses X-rays to expose the film.
X-rays are like light in that they are electromagnetic waves, but they are more energetic so they can penetrate many materials to varying degrees. When the X-rays hit the film, they expose it just as light would. Since bone, fat, muscle, tumors and other masses all absorb X-rays at different levels, the image on the film lets you see different (distinct) structures inside the body because of the different levels of exposure on the film.

If you want to know how X-rays themselves work try the site below.

Answer 2

X-ray machines work by applying controlled voltage, current, and time to the X-ray tube, which results in a beam of X-rays. The beam is projected on matter (say, your hand). Some of the X-ray beam will pass through the object (like the flesh), while some is reflected (like on the bone). The resulting pattern of the radiation is then detected by rare earth screens (which surround photographic film), semiconductor detectors, or image intensifiers. Images taken with such devices are known as X-ray photographs or radiographs.

Answer 3

An X-ray emits a momentary burst of gamma radiation. It penetrates the body and is slowed down and/or blocked by the contents of the body, and exposes a piece of film on the other side, like a picture. Different density levels in the body, such as flesh, bone, cancer, or foreign objects of certain types can be seen on the film as lighter or darker in many instances.

Answer 4

A simple explanation is:
X-rays are a form of radiation, like light, only more penetrating.
A machine generates the x-rays, which are directed at a target (often human).
The x-rays go right through soft tissues such as skin, muscle, fat, and organs because they aren't very dense. Bone on the other hand, is much denser and does a much better job of blocking the x-rays.
The rays then go on to strike a piece of film placed behind the target, changing its color much like photons do with photographic film. The parts of the film that are 'shaded' from the x-rays by the dense matter (in this case, bones) do not get exposed. The resulting image on the film is much like a shadow.

............................|__|.. <-x-ray generator
..............................x
.............................xx
............................xxx
.....................__x_x_x_x_____
....................| _____________|....<--Bone
.......................x....x....x
.....................______________
........................film ^
.................................I
.................................I
................................V
........._________________
.........|sssssss.......ssssss|..<-Film
.........|ssssss...s....ssssss|...s=shaded/where x-rays hit film
.........|ssssss...s....ssssss|
.........|sssssss.s....ssssss|
.........|sssssss.....sssssss|
.........|ssssssssssssssss |
.........***********************

Answer 5

go to howstuffworks.com they will know everything and how everything works. just ask

Answer 6

Please see the webpage for more details on X-ray.