Which of the following is a characteristic of soft x-rays?

Soft x-rays are characterized primarily by their lower energy levels compared to hard x-rays. This lower energy means that soft x-rays have reduced penetrating power, which limits their ability to pass through dense materials such as bone or metal. In the context of radiation exposure, the relative energy levels of different x-rays also influence their biological effects. While it is a common understanding that soft x-rays are generally less harmful than hard x-rays due to their lower energy and reduced penetrating ability, this does not mean they are completely harmless.

Understanding the distinctions between soft and hard x-rays is essential, especially in fields like dental radiography and radiation safety. Hard x-rays possess higher energy, enabling them to penetrate tissues more effectively and causing greater biological interactions, which can lead to more significant radiation exposure risk. Thus, the statement that soft x-rays are less harmful than hard x-rays aligns with the overall characteristics and implications of their usage in medical imaging and radiation safety practices.