Ionizing & Non-Ionizing Radiation
Radiation having a wide range of energies form the electromagnetic spectrum, which is illustrated to the right. The spectrum has two major divisions: non-ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Non-ionizing Radiation
Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to dislodge electron charges from atoms. It ranges from extremely low frequency radiation, shown on the far left through the audible, microwave, and visible portions of the spectrum into the ultraviolet range.
Ionizing Radiation
Radiation beyond the ultraviolet range falls within the ionizing radiation range that has enough energy to remove tightly bounded electron charges from atoms, thus creating ions. We take advantage of its properties to generate electric power, to kill cancer cells, and in many manufacturing processes.
There are three main kinds of ionizing radiation:
- Alpha particles, which include two protons and two neutrons
- Beta particles, which are essentially electrons
- Gamma and x-rays, which are pure energy (photons).
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-2. Which of the following is a type of non-ionizing radiation?
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