Qualitative examination of the absorption of X-rays

X-rays penetrate objects that are impenetrable for visible light. The absorption depends on the thickness and type of the material. This dependence is demonstrated in a qualitative manner on a fluorescent screen with the aid of various different absorption specimens.

Tasks

1. Observe the transmission of X-rays as a function of the material thickness.
2. Determine how the atomic number of the elements in a material affects the transmission of X-rays.

Learning objectives

• X-ray tube
• absorption of X-rays
• atomic number 
• fluorescence
• Lambert-Beer