X-rays fall under which source of radiation category?

X-rays are classified as artificial (man-made) sources of radiation. This classification is based on the fact that X-rays are produced through human technology and equipment, such as X-ray machines and other imaging devices, and are not naturally occurring in the environment.

Natural sources of radiation, on the other hand, include background radiation that comes from cosmic rays, terrestrial sources (such as uranium in the earth), and radon gas, all of which are found in our environment without human intervention. In contrast, artificial sources are those that result from human activities, and X-rays are one of the most common types utilized in medical and dental imaging to visualize the internal structures of the body.

Understanding the distinction between natural and artificial sources is crucial for both safety and regulatory purposes, especially in fields such as dentistry, where managing exposure to X-rays is key to protecting both the patient and the practitioner.