Final answer:
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-Rays in 1895 through his work with cathode ray tubes. His discovery received the first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901 and has since been integral to medicine and science.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Discovery of X-Rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen is credited with the discovery of X-Rays in November of 1895. Using a cathode ray tube, Roentgen observed that a certain type of radiation was capable of penetrating solids and could leave an image on photographic film. His experiments showed that this mysterious ray would pass through flesh but leave the outline of bones on a screen coated with a metal compound, such as when he famously captured an X-ray image of his wife's hand.
Roentgen's significant discovery did not only contribute to the world of physics but also revolutionized the field of medicine by providing a non-invasive means to observe the internal parts of the body. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, he was awarded the first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901. Notably, Roentgen never patented his discovery, opting instead to share it freely with other scientists and medical professionals, which facilitated its rapid integration into various applications.