X-rays and atomic number are related through a phenomenon known as X-ray absorption or X-ray attenuation. The atomic number of an element corresponds to the number of protons in the nucleus of its atoms. When X-rays pass through matter, they interact with the electrons in the atoms of that material.
The probability of X-ray absorption by a material depends on the energy of the X-rays and the atomic number of the atoms in the material. Generally, X-rays with higher energy are more likely to be absorbed. The probability of absorption increases with the atomic number because elements with higher atomic numbers have more electrons, which increases the chances of interactions with X-rays.
The absorption of X-rays by matter can be described by the linear attenuation coefficient, which is a measure of how much the X-ray intensity decreases as it passes through a material. The linear attenuation coefficient depends on the atomic number and density of the material.
In practical terms, this relationship between X-rays and atomic number is utilized in medical imaging techniques such as X-ray radiography and computed tomography (CT). X-ray images are created by passing X-rays through the body, and different tissues and structures absorb X-rays to varying degrees based on their atomic composition. This differential absorption allows the creation of contrast in the resulting image, which can be used to visualize bones, organs, and other structures.
In summary, the atomic number of an element affects the absorption of X-rays, with higher atomic numbers generally leading to increased X-ray attenuation. This relationship is fundamental to various applications of X-rays, including medical imaging and material analysis.