Final answer:
When an X-ray beam passes through the body, it is absorbed differently by tissues, scattered by interaction with matter, and carries a risk of radiation damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an X-ray beam passes through the body, three primary things occur:
- The X-rays are absorbed by different tissues to varying degrees, with hard tissues like bone blocking more X-rays than softer tissues, leading to a contrast on the X-ray plate.
- There is scattering of X-rays due to interaction with matter, which includes effects such as the Compton effect where X-rays scatter off electron shells, transferring energy and decreasing the X-ray's intensity.
- Lastly, there is the potential risk of radiation damage to cells that can initiate changes leading to cancer, underscoring the need for careful use of X-ray imaging to minimize exposure.