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

You misunderstood a little how X-Ray work. It doesn’t reflect from your bones. You have a device that emitting X-Rays in front of you. And the film or screen that forms an image is behind you. X-Rays penetrate your body, but part of them is absorbed. And different materials absorb X-rays differently. And that difference is exactly what you see on your X-Ray. Bones are more dense, so they are brighter. If there is some metal it will be completely white.