How come light photons penetrate these solutions easily

[g.l.]

Hello,

I'm looking for an answer to the following question -

X-rays are attenuated by liquid iodine solutions (in fact, these solutions are used as medical imaging contrast agents). so far so good.
How come light photons penetrate these solutions easily ? (these solutions appear water like - transparent)

Thanks for an educated explanation.

Gadi.

 

[Meir Achuz]

The absorption of light by matter is frequency dependent.
This is related to the molecular structure of the material, and so is different for different materials. The absorption is greatest near a resonant frequency of the particular molecule.

 

[R0man]

Hello Gadi,

Light photons penetrate liquid iodine solutions easily because they have a lower energy level compared to X-rays. X-rays have a much higher frequency and energy, which allows them to be easily absorbed by the iodine molecules in the solution. On the other hand, light photons have a lower frequency and energy, making them less likely to interact with the iodine molecules. This allows them to pass through the solution without being absorbed or attenuated as much. Additionally, the molecular structure of iodine allows for a higher degree of transparency compared to other substances, further allowing light to easily penetrate through the solution. I hope this helps to explain why light photons are able to easily penetrate liquid iodine solutions.