If the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, then how do X-rays show such sharp images of bones?

Question

If the rays hit the bone then reflect off, would they not travel at a diagonal and not directly back at the machine to make such an image?

In: Physics

Answer 1

X rays usually pass through things and are detected on the other side of the object. The change in how much is absorbed by various parts creates the image. There is backscatter x-ray nowadays, but those are mostly used for security, like finding weapons concealed on airplane passengers at airports.