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Ionizing radiation is any kind of radiation with enough energy (enough energy = wavelength is sufficiently short) to release a valence electron from a molecule. For instance, gamma rays emitted by the sun are highly energetic EM waves that are considered to be ionizing. A molecule that has had one of its valence electrons stripped is in a higher energetic state called a radical.

When a biological entity encounters ionizing radiation, it forms radical molecules. These are often in the singlet and triplet excited states. The triplet excited state is highly reactive, and wreaks havoc on biological systems by reacting and altering the structure of DNA, proteins, and other biomolecules.

Ionizing radiation typically does not have any "good" effects on plants or animals.

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What type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect?

Gamma radiation has the greatest ionizing effect among the different types of radiation. It consists of high-energy photons that can penetrate deeply into tissues and cells, causing extensive damage by ionizing atoms and molecules along its path.


Why Radio waves and microwaves are non ionizing radiation?

Because they don't have enough energy (or a short enough wavelength) to knock electrons off of atoms (ionization).


When is radiant energy harmful?

The danger of radiation, specially ionizing radiation, is the capacity to harm the genetic material. Ionizing radiation can break double the strand of DNA and inactivate vital genes necessary for living or health of the organism. Depending upon the intensity of the radiation, the cell can undergo death (e.g., apoptosis or programmed cell death) or to carry a genetic defect that is inherited to the next generation.


What occurs inside a Geiger counter when ionizing radiation strikes it?

Geiger counters have gas in them that does not normally conduct electricity. When ionizing radiation passes into a Geiger counter, it makes the gas conductive, and the conductivity can be measured, indicating that the radiation is present. Gamma rays, which have no charge, can be measured by interacting with lead or steel in a Geiger counter, putting electrons into the gas.


What effect does ionising radiation have on the body?

Ionizing radiation can damage cells and DNA by breaking chemical bonds, leading to mutations and potential cell death. This damage can increase the risk of cancer and other health effects, depending on the dose and type of radiation exposure. Acute high doses can cause immediate radiation sickness, while chronic exposure to lower doses may increase the risk of developing cancer over time.

Related Questions

How can radiation have an ionizing effect?

Radiation can excite an electron sufficiently for the electron to leave the atom, thus having an ionizing effect.


Gamma radiation and x radiation provide ionizing forms of radiation What effect does ionizing radiation have on molecules through which they pass?

"Ionizing" means that it can convert atoms and molecules into ions. In other words, it can knock off one or more electrons.


What has the author Thomas L Walden written?

Thomas L. Walden has written: 'Biochemistry of ionizing radiation' -- subject(s): Ionizing radiation, Physiological effect, Radiation effects, Radiobiology


What type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect?

Gamma radiation has the greatest ionizing effect among the different types of radiation. It consists of high-energy photons that can penetrate deeply into tissues and cells, causing extensive damage by ionizing atoms and molecules along its path.


Can Titan 11 nuclear warheads cause ionizing radiation?

Yes, the Titan 11 warheads can cause ionizing radiation. They fall under the category of nuclear weapons which have an adverse effect to the health of human beings.?æ


The rem is a unit used to measure?

Radiation dose in terms of the amount of the biological effect caused by the amount of energy absorbed


Is there a material that reacts with either alpha or beta particles?

Alpha anf beta particles are two kinds of ionizing radiation. Their ionizing effect on materials and human tissues depends on their energies.


How do radiation therapy work?

Exposing tumors to ionizing radiation kills them faster than it kills nearby healthy tissue. If you can focus or otherwise concentrate the radiation on the tumor the effect is even stronger. The reason for this effect is tumors generally grow much faster than healthy tissue, and ionizing radiation damages growing tissue much more significantly than tissue that is not actively growing. This damage should kill it.


The initial effect of ionizing radiation on a cell is that it causes?

damage to the cell's DNA, which can lead to mutations or cell death. This can disrupt normal cellular functions and may eventually contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer.


What has the author H Moseley written?

H. Moseley has written: 'Non-ionising radiation' -- subject(s): Hospitals, Lasers, Microwaves, Nonionizing radiation, Physiological effect, Radiation, Non-Ionizing, Safety measures, Ultraviolet Rays


What has the author Robert Michael Roy written?

Robert Michael Roy has written: 'Some effects of ionizing radiation on vicia faba' -- subject(s): Plants, Photosynthesis, Growth (Plants), Effect of radiation on 'Simulated fallout studies in conifers' -- subject(s): Plants, Effect of radiation on, Coniferae


What is the result and effect of rhamphant bombing?

Most damage comes from the explosive blast and then thermal radiation, prompt ionizing radiation are produced and cause significant destruction within seconds or minutes of a nuclear detonation.