Ionizing effect of X-radiation

As well as the outgoing radiation from a radioactive emitter is able to ionize air, so also X-radiation shows an ionizing effect. When air is penetrated by X-radiation, it is electrically conductive. This is tested on a charged electroscope.

Tasks

1. Illustrate the ionizing effect of X-radiation with the aid of an electroscope.
2. Examine the influence of the anode voltage and amperage on the duration until the electroscope is discharged.

Learning objectives

• Ionizing effect
• generation of X-radiation.