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Radiation is any process that transfers energy from one object to another by emission of "rays" of some type. There are many different kinds of "rays" that can do this, probably the most familiar is heat rays or IR that are emitted by hot objects into the cooler ambient environment around them heating it.

A few other types of "rays":

  • radio and microwave, photons emitted by the transmitting antenna and absorbed by the receiving antenna
  • alpha and beta particles, helium nuclei and electrons emitted by decaying atomic nuclei
  • x-rays, photons emitted when extremely highly excited electrons in atoms return to more normal energy levels
  • gamma rays, photons emitted by decaying atomic nuclei
  • neutrons, emitted when atomic nuclei fission or fuse
  • etc.

All "rays", whatever their form, are capable of traveling through a vacuum. Other means of transferring energy from one object to another require some physical medium made of matter of some kind.

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Does radiation need atoms and molecules to work?

Radiation can interact with both atoms and molecules, but it does not necessarily need them to work. Radiation can propagate through a vacuum, such as in space, where there are very few atoms or molecules. However, when in contact with matter, radiation can cause ionization or excitation in atoms and molecules.


Why do people exposed to radiation regularly need to wear radiation badges?

The radiation badges tell you how much radiation you have been exposed to so you know when you have been exposed to enough (before it becomes dangerous) and you can stop work in that area until you are able to be exposed to radiation again. They sometimes wear lead aprons to protect themselves from radiation. I think this is right but you had better check again somewhere else because it might not be right.


How did Marie curie create the word radiation?

Marie Curie did not create the word "radiation." The word has been in use for centuries and comes from the Latin word "radiare," meaning "to emit rays." Curie's work was instrumental in studying and understanding radiation, which led to her groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radioactivity.


What radiation was Pierre Curie exposed?

Pierre Curie was exposed to ionizing radiation, primarily from his work with radioactive materials like uranium. This exposure eventually led to his death due to long-term health effects such as aplastic anemia.


How do sunbeds work?

Sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which stimulates the skin to produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This results in a tan. However, UV radiation from sunbeds can also damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. It is important to use sunbeds cautiously and limit exposure to UV radiation.

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