Which statements are true for X-ray?
(A) The wavelength range of X-rays is about \( 10^{-8}\,\mathrm{m} \) to \( 10^{-13}\,\mathrm{m} \).
(B) X-rays can't affect a photographic film.
(C) X-rays can damage living tissues.
(D) We can generate X-rays by bombarding a metal target by high energy electrons.
(E) The wavelength of X-rays is more than Microwave.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (C) and (D) Only
X-rays are electromagnetic waves of very short wavelength, lying between ultraviolet and gamma rays in the electromagnetic spectrum.
(A) The wavelength range of X-rays is about \( 10^{-8}\,\mathrm{m} \) to \( 10^{-13}\,\mathrm{m} \). — Correct. X-rays cover wavelengths from about \( 10^{-8}\,\mathrm{m} \) (10 nm) down to \( 10^{-13}\,\mathrm{m} \) (\( 10^{-4}\,\mathrm{nm} \)).
(B) X-rays can't affect a photographic film. — Incorrect. X-rays blacken a photographic film; that is how an X-ray photograph of a bone is recorded.
(C) X-rays can damage living tissues. — Correct. X-ray photons carry high energy and ionise the molecules of living cells, so exposure must be kept as low as possible.
(D) We can generate X-rays by bombarding a metal target by high energy electrons. — Correct. In an X-ray tube, fast electrons strike a metal target and X-rays are produced.
(E) The wavelength of X-rays is more than Microwave. — Incorrect. Microwaves have wavelengths of about 0.1 m to 1 mm, while X-rays are below 10 nm, so X-rays have a much shorter wavelength than microwaves.
NCERT (2026-27):
X-Rays – “… It covers wavelengths from about 10–8 m (10 nm) down to 10–13 m (10–4 nm). One common way to generate X-rays is to bombard a metal target by high energy electrons.”
X-Rays – “… Because X-rays damage or destroy living tissues and organisms, care must be taken to avoid unnecessary or over exposure.”