Can we use X-rays to make elements radioactive?

Absolutely. Photonuclear reactions in which a radioactive isotope is intentionally produced by exposing a stable feedstock to x-rays find application in industry and medicine. read more

Photonuclear reactions in which a radioactive isotope is intentionally produced by exposing a stable feedstock to x-rays find application in industry and medicine. Incidental photonuclear radioactivity of this type--typically mild--is detectable around electron accelerators such as are used in most external-beam radiation therapy for cancer. read more

An X-ray is defined as electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 0.01 to 10 nanometers. Most elements are capable of this process. A X-ray medical procedure uses millions of these X-rays to produce an image. An X-ray gun is fired at a person and the X-rays pass through most of the body, hitting a screen to make an image. read more