What is radiation?
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Date
2013-07-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Abstract
Radiation can be described as energy or particles
from a source that travel through space or other
mediums. Light, heat, microwaves and wireless
communications are all forms of radiation. The
kind of radiation discussed here is called ionising
radiation because it can produce charged particles
(ions) in matter.
Ionising radiation is emitted by a large range of
natural materials, can be produced by everyday
devices such as X-ray machines, and can also be
emitted by unstable atoms. Atoms become unstable
when they have the wrong amount of mass required
to keep them stable, an excess of energy, or both.
Unstable atoms are said to be radioactive.
In order to reach stability these atoms give off,
or emit, energy and/or mass. The energy is emitted
in the form of electromagnetic radiation (i.e. light)
and the mass is in the form of tiny particles. These
emissions are called nuclear radiation and such
atoms are said to be radioactive.
Gamma radiation is an example of electromagnetic
radiation. Beta and alpha radiation are examples
of emitted particles. Ionising radiation can also be
produced by devices such as X-ray machines.
Description
Keywords
Particles, Energy, Space, Ionizing radiations, Ionization, Gamma radiation
Citation
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. (2013). What is radiation? Lucas Heights, NSW: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.