Basics of Radiation

Radiation is a form of energy that travels through space. It can be emitted from unstable atoms undergoing radioactive decay or produced by machines. It travels as energy waves or energized particles.

Non-ionizing radiation has enough energy to move electrons in an atom but not enough to remove them. It includes radio waves, visible light, and microwaves. It is generally considered safe.

Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms. This can damage tissue and DNA, posing a health risk.

Radioactive decay is the process where unstable atoms release energy in the form of ionizing radiation. This radiation can include alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Alpha particles are positively charged particles made up of two protons and two neutrons. They are released by heavy radioactive elements and have a short range.

Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons emitted during radioactive decay. They are smaller and lighter than alpha particles and can travel further.

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay. They have no mass or charge and can travel long distances.

Radionuclides are unstable atoms that undergo radioactive decay and emit ionizing radiation. They can be found in nature or created in laboratories.

Alpha particles are emitted from the nucleus of an atom and have a large size, high energy, and short range. They cannot escape body tissues and cause significant damage.

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom. They have no mass or electrical charge and are highly penetrating, causing damage to cells by ionizing them.

X-rays are similar to gamma rays, but they are emitted from processes outside the nucleus, such as electrons interacting with atoms. They are lower in energy than gamma rays, but still can be harmful.

Directly ionizing radiation occurs when charged particles interact with matter, directly causing ionization (removal of electrons).

Indirectly ionizing radiation occurs when neutral particles interact with matter, causing the production of charged particles, which then cause ionization.

Ionizing radiation is any radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, potentially causing damage to biological molecules.

Non-ionizing radiation is radiation that does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and infrared radiation.