X-rays are a form of ionizing electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation exists on a scale, with the lower powered energy at the bottom, (microwave, radio waves, visible light, etc) Higher powered energy in this same spectrum include x-rays, gamma rays and particulate radiation (alpha and beta waves).

The higher powered energies on this spectrum are ionizing because they have the energy to change the molecules that they pass through. This is what makes these energies harmful unlike visible light and radiowaves.

X-rays exist naturally but are created by our machines in a VERY controlled manner that allow our technologists to set very exact technical factors. It is these factors that change depending on body part and/or the examination being performed.

The information carried by the x-rays after passing through the body part being examined, (information based on rate of absorption etc.,) is then recorded on film. It actually requires quite a lot of x-ray radiation to expose film. One of the many ways that your dose will be kept as low as possible, is to have the x-rays interact with a screen first. This screen, (which is located inside the cassette that carries the film,) is made of a special material that gives off light directly proportional to the amount of radiation it receives. It is this light that exposes the film, not the x-rays, so much less energy is required.