Glossary: X

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xenobiotic.

A substance which is not normally found in a living thing.

xenon. Xe.

Element 54, a colorless, inert gas used to fill cathode ray tubes.

x-ray.

A very high energy form of electromagnetic radiation (though not as high energy as gamma rays). X-rays typically have wavelengths from a few picometers up to 20 nanometers. X-rays easily penetrate soft tissue, which makes them useful in medical imaging and in radiation therapy.

x-ray crystallography.

Determination of three dimensional arrangement of atoms in a crystal by analysis of x-ray diffraction patterns.

x-ray diffraction pattern.

Interference patterns created by x-rays as they pass through a solid material. Studying x-ray diffraction patterns gives detailed information on the three-dimensional structure of crystals, surfaces, and atoms.

x-ray spectrum. x-ray spectra.

A set of characteristic x-ray frequencies or wavelengths produced by a substance used as a target in an x-ray tube. Each element has a characteristic x-ray spectrum, and there is a strong correlation between atomic number and the frequencies of certain lines in the x-ray spectrum.

x-ray tube.

A cathode ray tube that focuses energetic streams of electrons on a metal target, causing the metal to emit x-rays.

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Copyright © 1997-2010 by Fred Senese
Comments & questions to fsenese@frostburg.edu
Last Revised 02/23/18.URL: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/glossary/x.shtml