What is radiation?

Radiation refers to the phenomenon that a part of electromagnetic energy from the field source propagates away from the field source and then returns to the field source. Energy propagates outward in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles (such as alpha particles and beta particles). All objects in nature always transfer heat in the form of electromagnetic waves and particles as long as the temperature is above absolute zero. This way of transmitting energy is called radiation. Radiation energy radiates linearly in all directions from a radiation source. The energy released by an object through radiation is called radiant energy. Radiation is calculated in roentgen (r) per hour. An important feature of radiation is "equivalence". Objects (gases) radiate outward regardless of temperature. Object A can radiate to object B, and object B can also radiate to object A. This term is usually used for ionizing radiation. Radiation itself is a neutral word, but the radiation of some substances may bring harm.

Main types:

Generally, it can be divided into ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation according to its energy level and the ability of ionizing substances. This term is usually used for ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, but non-ionizing radiation does not. Radioactive substances refer to substances that can emit ionizing radiation. There are three main types of ionizing radiation: α, β and γ radiation (or rays).

Ionizing radiation

Radiation with high enough energy can ionize atoms. Generally speaking, ionization means that electrons are knocked out of the electron layer by ionizing radiation, making atoms positively charged. Because cells are made of atoms, ionization can cause cancer. A cell consists of trillions of atoms. The probability that ionizing radiation causes cancer depends on the radiation dose rate and the sensitivity of the organism receiving radiation. Alpha, beta, gamma radiation and neutron radiation can all be accelerated to high enough energy to ionize atoms.

non ionizing radiation

The energy of non-ionizing radiation is weaker than ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation will not ionize substances, but will change the rotation, vibration or valence electron orbital state of molecules or atoms. The effects of non-ionizing radiation on living tissues have not been studied for a long time. Different non-ionizing radiation will produce different biological effects.