As pre-requisite knowledge, students are supposed to be familiar with the concepts:
radiation, electromagnetic wave, wavelength, wave frequency, structure of the atom (Bohr model, energy levels), electron, photon, energy of photon etc.
To recall the knowledge about the atom a Phet simulation can be used: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-an-atom
At the end of this subunit the student is able to:
- describe properties of X-rays (electromagnetic wave, ionisation, penetration)
- explain how the X-rays are produced and detected
- explain the absorption law and half-value layer concept
- explain how X-ray images are created
- explain how CT scans are created
- specify the value of X-rays and CT scans in medicine
Unfortunately there are not many suitable lab experiments, which can be performed in school.