Scientific Discovery: Scotch Tape Emits X-Rays When Peeled in Vacuum
By
colinprince
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
The article discusses the scientific phenomenon of Scotch tape producing X-rays when peeled in a vacuum, a discovery first reported by Russian scientists in 1953 and confirmed by UCLA physicists in 2008. The research aimed to harness triboluminescence for X-ray imaging, successfully producing a low-quality X-ray image of a finger. The phenomenon occurs due to micro-cracks traveling at supersonic speeds along the peeling tape, creating shock waves and sound pulses. Importantly, this only happens in a perfect vacuum, making everyday Scotch tape use safe.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledIn 1953, Russian scientists peeling Scotch tape in a vacuum reported detecting electrons with sufficient energy to emit X-rays.
This phenomenon was finally confirmed in 2008, when UCLA physicists produced X-rays while unwinding a roll of Scotch tape in a vacuum chamber.
The goal was to harness triboluminescence for X-ray imaging, and the team produced a low-quality X-ray image of a lab member's finger.
Micro-cracks travel along the peeling tape at supersonic speeds, producing shock waves and sound pulses.
Fortunately, this only works in a perfect vacuum, so everyday Scotch tape users are safe.
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