Question

Why must engineers and scientists shield against x-ray production in high-voltage equipment?

Short answer

Yes, the easy ionization of body atoms by X-ray photons causes serious harm to the skin and leaves behind burns. That is why there is shielding required while handling X-Ray equipments.

Step-by-step solution

Properties of X-Rays.

X-Rays are electromagnetic radiations used variedly in medical science and other scientific testing. The properties of X-Rays are,

(i) Their wavelength is on the shorter side of the electromagnetic spectrum.

(ii) There is a requirement of high voltage in order to produce X-Rays.

(iii) They can travel in vacuum.

(iv) They are electrically neutral and travel in straight lines.

Explanation of the argument.

The need to shield human skin while under strong X-radiation is due to the fact that the rays have the capability to cause serious burns and other skin damages. The X-rays have a higher frequency and shorter wavelength which indicates higher energy than the work function typically of organic materials. Therefore, the rays can excite and eject electrons from the surface of the skin causing ionization and serious damage.