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PrincePhoenix
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Why does penetration increase with decrease in wavelength?
PrincePhoenix said:Why does penetration increase with decrease in wavelength?
I presume you mean photons? In the x-ray region, x-ray penetration increases with decreasing wavelength due to the energy dependence of the deep-core photoejection cross-section of electrons from deeply bound atomic states, e.g., k-shell.PrincePhoenix said:Why does penetration increase with decrease in wavelength?
adamwho said:For a wavelength of EM radiation to be absorbed it must correspond to an energy level in an atom. Consider the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_atom#Energy_levels".
At longer wavelengths, there is no corresponding energy level for the EM radiation, thus the wave passes through the body.
The shorter the wavelength, the greater the penetration. This is because shorter wavelengths have more energy and are able to break through barriers more easily.
The wavelength of light affects its ability to penetrate through different materials because shorter wavelengths are able to pass through materials with smaller gaps or pores. This is why X-rays, which have very short wavelengths, are able to pass through skin and soft tissues, while visible light, with longer wavelengths, cannot.
Understanding the relationship between wavelength and penetration is important in scientific research because it helps us to understand and predict how different types of energy, such as light or sound, will interact with different materials. This knowledge can be applied in various fields, such as medicine, engineering, and environmental science.
The wavelength of a wave affects its ability to travel through different mediums because different mediums have different densities and structures, which can either allow or impede the passage of the wave. For example, shorter wavelengths of light can travel easily through air, but are easily scattered by water droplets in the air, causing rainbows.
Some practical applications of understanding the relationship between wavelength and penetration include medical imaging, such as X-rays and MRI scans, which utilize the ability of shorter wavelengths to penetrate through tissues to create images. Another application is in telecommunications, where understanding the penetration of different wavelengths of light through fiber optic cables is crucial for efficient data transfer. Additionally, understanding the relationship between wavelength and penetration is important in the development of new technologies, such as energy-efficient solar panels and water filtration systems.