Why is it dangerous to be exposed to X-rays but not (or at least much less) dangerous to be exposed to radio waves?

X-rays and radio waves are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, but they differ in their energy levels and how they interact with the human body. Here's why:

1. Energy Levels: X-rays have much higher energy levels than radio waves. The energy of electromagnetic radiation is directly proportional to its frequency, and X-rays have a much higher frequency than radio waves.

2. Ionizing vs Non-Ionizing: X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation. This means they have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which can damage or destroy the atoms and molecules in your body's cells. This can lead to chemical changes that can cause damage to your tissues and DNA, potentially leading to cancer. On the other hand, radio waves are non-ionizing radiation, meaning they don't have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, and are therefore much less harmful.

3. Absorption: The human body absorbs X-rays, which can cause internal damage, including to DNA. In contrast, radio waves are typically not absorbed by the body and pass through without causing damage.

4. Exposure: We are generally exposed to radio waves more often than X-rays, as radio waves are used for many types of wireless communication, including radios, TVs, and cell phones. However, the energy of radio waves is so low that they don't pose a significant risk.

In conclusion, while both X-rays and radio waves are forms of electromagnetic radiation, the higher energy levels of X-rays make them more dangerous to human tissue.