Sailing Glossary - Term X-ray

Electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength, lying within the wavelength interval of 0.1 to 1.5 angstroms (between gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation). X-rays penetrate various thicknesses of all solids, and they act on photographic plates in the same manner as light. Secondary x-rays are produced whenever x-rays are absorbed by a substance. In the case of absorption by a gas, this results in ionization.