Name a common application for X-ray imaging in medical diagnostics.

X-ray imaging is widely used in medical diagnostics, particularly for detecting fractures in bones. The high penetrating power of X-rays allows them to pass through the soft tissues of the body while being absorbed by denser materials like bone. When an X-ray is taken, the bones appear white on the resulting image, clearly outlining any breaks or fractures. This application is fundamental in emergency medicine and orthopedics, where quick and accurate assessment of bone integrity is critical for treatment decisions.

Such imaging techniques are particularly valuable because they provide immediate information about the structural integrity of bones and can help identify complex fractures that may not be immediately visible through physical examination alone.