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### College Physics (Urone)

Book edition 1st Edition
Author(s) Paul Peter Urone
Pages 1272 pages
ISBN 9781938168000

# CT scanners do not detect details smaller than about 0.5 mm. Is this limitation due to the wavelength of x rays? Explain.

The high-energy rays aren't used in CT scanners since they can harm or disrupt body cells.

See the step by step solution

## Step 1: Define the characteristic’s X rays

The electromagnetic radiation released by an atom when an inner shell vacancy is filled is known as a characteristic x-ray. When electrons jump from a higher to a lower energy state, these x-ray radiations are emitted by the atom.

Wavelength of x-rays photons is given as:

$$\lambda = \frac{{hc}}{E}$$

Here, λ wavelength of x ray, h Planck's constant, c speed of light and E energy of x rays.

## Step 2: Given information and formula to be used

Given that CT Scanners do not detect details smaller than about 0.5mm.

## Step 3: Determine the explanation for the question:

Consider x rays have very small wavelengths. This is due to the fact that x-ray photons are extremely energetic radiation. As a result, as the wavelength gets shorter, more photon energy is required. In addition, x-rays are absorbed by our bodies' cells, causing them to change or be damaged. As a result, using high-energy beams in CT scanners is not allowed.

Therefore, the high-energy rays aren't used in CT scanners since they can harm or disrupt body cells.