SECONDARY RAYS Meaning and
Definition
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Secondary rays refer to the secondary radiation or secondary particles that are produced as a result of interactions between primary radiation and matter. In physics and radiology, when primary radiation (such as X-rays or gamma rays) hits an object, it can cause ionization or excitation of atoms within that material. This interaction leads to the emission of secondary rays, which can travel in different directions and have varying energies.
Secondary rays can take various forms, including scattered radiation, secondary electrons, or other types of particles. Scattered radiation occurs when primary radiation interacts with the electrons of atoms within the material, causing them to change direction and emit secondary radiation. Secondary electrons, on the other hand, are liberated from atoms during the ionization process and move away from their original position, posing potential health risks.
The production of secondary rays depends on the energy of the primary radiation and the composition of the material being irradiated. Factors such as the atomic number and density of the material can influence the amount and type of secondary rays produced. In medical imaging, for example, knowledge of secondary rays is crucial in understanding the behavior and characteristics of X-rays within the human body.
Understanding secondary rays is valuable in radiation protection and medical applications as it helps to evaluate potential risks, optimize imaging techniques, and ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers exposed to radiation.
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Rays generated in the body upon which the primary rays impinge upon matter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SECONDARY RAYS
- aecondary rays
- zecondary rays
- xecondary rays
- decondary rays
- eecondary rays
- wecondary rays
- swcondary rays
- sscondary rays
- sdcondary rays
- srcondary rays
- s4condary rays
- s3condary rays
- sexondary rays
- sevondary rays
- sefondary rays
- sedondary rays
- secindary rays
- seckndary rays
- seclndary rays
- secpndary rays
Etymology of SECONDARY RAYS
The word "secondary" originates from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "following" or "subordinate". It comes from the Latin word "secundus", meaning "second" or "next".
The word "rays" has a Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "rháios", which means "ray of light" or "beam". It is related to the Greek word "eráō", meaning "to shine" or "to be bright".
When combined, the term "secondary rays" refers to rays of light that are produced or formed after the main or primary rays. It is commonly used in the context of optics and can describe rays that are reflected, refracted, scattered, diffused, or otherwise altered from the original path of light.
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