Answer the following question given this paragraph: 

TiCl4(l) + 2Mg(s) → Ti(s) + 2MgCl2(s) The only other alkaline earth that is widely used as the metal is beryllium, which is extremely toxic. Ingestion of beryllium or exposure to beryllium-containing dust causes a syndrome called berylliosis, characterized by severe inflammation of the respiratory tract or other tissues. A small percentage of beryllium dramatically increases the strength of copper or nickel alloys, which are used in nonmagnetic, nonsparking tools (such as wrenches and screwdrivers), camera springs, and electrical contacts. The low atomic number of beryllium gives it a very low tendency to absorb x-rays and makes it uniquely suited for applications involving radioactivity. Both elemental Be and BeO, which is a high-temperature ceramic, are used in nuclear reactors, and the windows on all x-ray tubes and sources are made of beryllium foil. Millions of tons of calcium compounds are used every year. As discussed in earlier chapters, CaCl 2 is used as “road salt” to lower the freezing point of water on roads in cold temperatures. In addition, CaCO 3 is a.


Q: What aspect of beryllium allows it to absorb x-rays?


A:
low atomic number