ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Backscatter X-ray

When you go to the airport or a government building, sometimes you have to walk through a machine that looks like a big box with windows. This machine is called a backscatter x-ray.

The backscatter x-ray uses a special type of light called x-rays to take pictures of your body. X-rays are like really strong flashlights that can see through things like clothes and skin.

The backscatter x-ray works by sending out a beam of x-rays that bounce back off your body and create a picture. The machine can see things like metal objects and weapons, but it can also see things like drugs or explosives that might be hidden on your body.

While it might seem scary to have your body scanned by x-rays, the backscatter x-ray uses a very low amount of radiation. In fact, the amount of radiation you get from the backscatter x-ray is about the same as you would get from being outside for a few minutes in the sunlight.

Overall, the backscatter x-ray is an important tool to help keep us safe by finding dangerous things that might be hidden on people.