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Explain ionization which forms of nuclear radiation are capable of ionizing matter?
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∙ 10y ago
electromagnetic
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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Which forms of nuclear radiation are capable of ionizing matter?
Ionizing radiation consists of subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that are energetic enough to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, ionizing them. The occurrence of ionization depends on the energy of the impinging individual particles or waves, and not on their number. An intense flood of particles or waves will not cause ionization if these particles or waves do not carry enough energy to be ionizing. Roughly speaking, particles or photons with energies above a few electron volts (eV) are ionizing. Examples of ionizing particles are energetic alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. The ability of electromagnetic waves (photons) to ionize an atom or molecule depends on their wavelength. Radiation on the short wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum - ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays - is ionizing.
What type of radiation causes most ionisation?
The electromagnetic radiation most capable of ionizing is the radiation with the highest energy per quantum. That in turn implies the radiation with the highest frequency (shortest wavelength). The highest-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum is the region we call "gamma rays". We can't generate these, and the gamma rays we observe all originate in radioactive nuclear processes.
What kind of electromagnetic wave is worse?
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. From lowest to highest frequency these are: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays. Ultraviolet and higher frequencies (X-rays & gamma rays) are capable of ionizing atoms and breaking chemical bonds. This ability to ionize makes exposure to radiation in these ranges more dangerous because ionization can damage cells or DNA leading to cancer. Additionally, the higher the frequency of the wave, the more likely it is to ionize atoms. In other words, the highest frequency wave is the most likely to ionize an atom with which it comes into contact. Therefore the electromagnetic range likely to do the most damage is the gamma ray.
What moves as fast as light?
All electromagnetic radiation or massless particles are capable of moving as fast as light.
Why is a laser capable of burning things?
A laser is capable of burning things because of the way they work. A laser by definition generates an intense beam of monochromatic light. This monochromatic light is actually electromagnetic radiation which because of its intensity causes things to burn.
Explain ionization. which forms of nuclear radiation are capable of ionizing matter?
electromagnetic
Which forms of nuclear radiation are capable of ionizing matter?
Ionizing radiation consists of subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that are energetic enough to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, ionizing them. The occurrence of ionization depends on the energy of the impinging individual particles or waves, and not on their number. An intense flood of particles or waves will not cause ionization if these particles or waves do not carry enough energy to be ionizing. Roughly speaking, particles or photons with energies above a few electron volts (eV) are ionizing. Examples of ionizing particles are energetic alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. The ability of electromagnetic waves (photons) to ionize an atom or molecule depends on their wavelength. Radiation on the short wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum - ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays - is ionizing.
Which is common household pest capable of surviving a nuclear attack?
Most insects have a far higher LD50 for ionizing radiation than any mammal, but its a myth that cockroaches will survive nuclear war.
What does dualistic character of electromagnetic radiation mean?
EM waves at frequencies below ultraviolet are analyzed using wave theory and do not ionize atoms. At UV and above they are analyzed as particles and are capable of ionizing any atoms. That is their dual nature.
What type of radiation causes most ionisation?
The electromagnetic radiation most capable of ionizing is the radiation with the highest energy per quantum. That in turn implies the radiation with the highest frequency (shortest wavelength). The highest-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum is the region we call "gamma rays". We can't generate these, and the gamma rays we observe all originate in radioactive nuclear processes.
What kind of electromagnetic wave is worse?
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. From lowest to highest frequency these are: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays. Ultraviolet and higher frequencies (X-rays & gamma rays) are capable of ionizing atoms and breaking chemical bonds. This ability to ionize makes exposure to radiation in these ranges more dangerous because ionization can damage cells or DNA leading to cancer. Additionally, the higher the frequency of the wave, the more likely it is to ionize atoms. In other words, the highest frequency wave is the most likely to ionize an atom with which it comes into contact. Therefore the electromagnetic range likely to do the most damage is the gamma ray.
What wave is a x ray?
An x-ray are an example of electromagnetic radiation. They are highly energetic and are capable of ionizing most materials. This also makes them hazardous to human life; they can damage DNA molecules and cause cancer. All electromagnetic waves are transverse (oscillation is transverse to the direction of motion).
What are some possible test that you can do to identify the radiation emitted by the uranium salt?
There are multiple instrumentation types capable of detecting radiation. The Geiger Counter is one such device capable of detecting radiation emissions from uranium and other radioactive materials/sources.
What type of wave is a x-Ray wave?
An x-ray are an example of electromagnetic radiation. They are highly energetic and are capable of ionizing most materials. This also makes them hazardous to human life; they can damage DNA molecules and cause cancer. All electromagnetic waves are transverse (oscillation is transverse to the direction of motion).
Why is ultraviolet radiation capable of producing this damage while visible radiation even if more intense does not?
Ultra violet radiation has more energy (E=hf) than visible radiation.
What moves as fast as light?
All electromagnetic radiation or massless particles are capable of moving as fast as light.
What is neutron radiation?
'Nuclear' means of or to do with the nucleus of something. It usually, but not always, refers to the nucleus of an atom. From this, we get nuclear energy (energy stored in the nucleus when it forms) nuclear bombs/power stations (which utilise this energy for certain purposes) and nuclear charge (the electrical charge in/on a nucleus), among many other terms.
