What type of radiation is primarily used in radiography?

The primary type of radiation used in radiography is X-rays. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate various materials, including human tissue, which makes them highly effective for imaging internal structures such as bones and organs. This penetrating capability allows radiographers to capture detailed images that can assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

X-rays produce images based on the varying densities of the tissues they pass through; denser materials like bones absorb more X-rays and appear white on the radiograph, while softer tissues absorb fewer X-rays and appear darker. This contrast is crucial for identifying abnormalities such as fractures, infections, or tumors.

Other forms of radiation listed, such as gamma rays, ultraviolet light, and infrared radiation, are not used in standard radiographic practices. Gamma rays, while used in some specific medical applications like nuclear medicine, do not serve as the primary imaging tool in traditional radiography. Ultraviolet light is not capable of penetrating human tissues to produce images, and infrared radiation is more associated with thermal imaging rather than structural imaging as achieved by X-rays.