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Which of the following is NOT a property of x-rays?

  1. X-rays have mass

  2. X-rays can interact with matter

  3. X-rays can act like a particle

  4. X-rays are electrically neutral

The correct answer is: X-rays have mass

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, which means they do not possess mass. This characteristic is fundamental to their nature, distinguishing them from particles that have mass, such as electrons or protons. X-rays can interact with matter through various processes such as absorption and scattering, which allows them to be used effectively in medical imaging. Additionally, they exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, which is consistent with their behavior within the electromagnetic spectrum, fulfilling the criteria of being able to act like a particle. Being electrically neutral means that X-rays do not carry a charge, allowing them to penetrate matter without being deflected by electric fields. This combination of attributes makes them suitable for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. Thus, the assertion that X-rays have mass is incorrect, reinforcing the understanding that they are massless waves that play a crucial role in radiologic technology.