Marie and Pierre noticed burns on their fingers after handling test tubes containing radioactive substances. This observation led to
A. the discovery of natural fluorescence.
B. the discovery of X-rays.
C. the discovery of radiation therapy.
D. the discovery of uranium.
Is the answer B? Thanks in advance
Agree.
Yes, the correct answer is B. The observation of burns on their fingers after handling test tubes containing radioactive substances led to the discovery of X-rays.
To arrive at this answer, we can eliminate choices A, C, and D by understanding their relevance to the given scenario. Natural fluorescence (choice A) refers to the property of certain substances to emit light when exposed to particular wavelengths of light, and it is not directly related to burns caused by handling radioactive substances. Radiation therapy (choice C) involves the use of high-energy radiation to treat diseases, but it does not explain the burns on Marie and Pierre's fingers. Uranium (choice D) is a radioactive element, but its discovery predates the specific scenario described.
To confirm the correct answer, we can further explain how the discovery of X-rays is linked to the observation of burns on their fingers. In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen accidentally discovered X-rays while working with a cathode-ray tube. He noticed that a fluorescent screen in his lab started to emit light even though it was not directly exposed to the cathode rays. Roentgen hypothesized that a new type of ray was being emitted, and he appropriately named it "X-ray" (X represents the unknown). Subsequently, it was determined that X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation and have the ability to penetrate various materials, including human tissue. The burns on Marie and Pierre's fingers were the result of exposure to these X-rays, which were emitted by the radioactive substances they were handling.