Radiationionizing it's every form of radiation that carries enough energy to rip the electrons of atoms. It can be produced naturally or artificially, as well as being natural electromagnetic or corpuscular, that is, being formed by particles such as electrons, atomic nuclei, etc. despite dangerous for the body, has a vast number of technological applications.
See too: Nuclear fission - what it is and main applications
Features
Ionizing radiation carries enough energy with it to rip electrons from the atoms. When this type of radiation interacts with organic tissues, it causes them to differ effects, ranging from cell mutations to the emergence of cancer.
Is it over there can be produced either by natural sources, as is the case of atoms that suffer decainuclear resources, or even in man-made processes, such as the controlled fission of uranium in nuclear power plants. This form of radiation can be formed by electromagnetic waves or by particles, as is the case with alpha and beta radiation.
In the first case, international bodies defend that electromagnetic radiation with energy greater than 10 eV (1 electron-volt = 1.6.10-19 J) are considered as ionizing radiation. This energy is corresponding to ultraviolet, that is, any electromagnetic waves with a frequency lower than the ultraviolet are not capable of ionizing atoms, as is the case of visible light, infrared, microwave, etc.
In the case of corpuscular ionizing radiation, composed of particlesalpha (Helium atom nuclei) or particlesbeta (free electrons), are considered ionizing particles that carry energy greater than 33 eV.
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
Effects of Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation can produce different effects on living organisms. These effects depend directly on factors such as exposure time, amount of absorbed radiation and intensity of the emitting source. The effects of radiation on Human Body can be classified into acute and chronic. Among the acute effects, according to data from the National Cancer Institute, the following stand out:
nausea;
weakness;
hair loss;
skin burns or decreased organ function.
The chronic effects of radiation are related to the emergence of cancer in different organs. The type and severity of these cancers depend on the type of radiation and also the exposure suffered.
See too: Radioactivity - the property of some atoms to spontaneously emit energy
Ionizing radiation sources
Ionizing radiation of natural origin is found in cosmic rays, coming from all directions of space, and also in the radionuclides, present on Earth, in air and in water. Artificial ionizing radiation, produced by humans, is present in imaging exams and also in some types of therapy: X ray,tomography,radiotherapy etc. In addition, artificial radiation is also abundant near the reactors of the nuclear power plants.
Types of Ionizing Radiation
X ray: it is an electromagnetic radiation, produced in x-ray machines, which has a high capacity to penetrate the human body.
Gamma: higher frequency electromagnetic radiation. It is emitted by radioisotopes and also by nuclear reactors. Extremely penetrating, it can penetrate a few inches of lead and concrete.
Neutrons: are particles that do not have electric charge and that, according to their speed, they can damage cells. They are usually obtained in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators.
beta particles: free electrons emitted at high speeds. This type of radiation cannot travel long distances and is easily absorbed by clothing, but it can mutate cells.
Ultraviolet: is the lowest frequency electromagnetic radiation capable of ionizing atoms. This type of radiation is abundant in sunlight and can cause skin cancer.
Read too: Is the use of cell phones bad for your health?
Uses of ionizing radiation
Ionizing radiation has many technological applications. See some of them below.
Medicinal use: ionizing radiations are used in radiographs, CT scans, bone densitometry exams, mammograms, nuclear medicine-related therapies, as well as instrument sterilization doctors.
Sanitary use: ionizing radiation has the ability to eliminate microorganisms that can be harmful to health, so it can be used to improve the quality of water, making it drinkable.
Conservation and analysis of historical items: ionizing radiation is used to restore artwork and also to produce images of archaeological items such as bones and other objects. It also helps keep these items longer as it destroys the microorganisms that would spoil them.
Measuresindirect: there are devices that emit radiation to detect the level of reservoirs filled with liquids or solids without contacting the contents. Gamma ray beams are generally used to take measurements.
Food industry: ionizing radiation kills microorganisms present in fruits, vegetables and legumes, making them last longer and healthier for consumption.
By Rafael Hellerbrock
Physics teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
HELERBROCK, Rafael. "Ionizing radiation"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/fisica/radiacao-ionizante.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
