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Particle Radiation
Particle radiation
Particle radiation refers to the
radiation of
energy by means of small fast moving particles that have energy and
mass.
Particle radiation can be emitted from an unstable atomic
nucleus (radioactive
decay) in the form of a positively charged
Alpha particle (α), a positively or negatively charged (the latter being
more common)
Beta particle(β),a
neutron, or
Gamma rays (γ). Gamma rays are a form of
electromagnetic radiation, but exhibit particle-like properties (see
photon) due to their high energy. Other forms of particle radiation include
neutrons,
positrons and
neutrinos.
Cosmic rays are subatomic particles falling naturally on the Earth. Most
originate in the Sun and are part of the
solar wind.
Radiation is often separated into two categories,
ionizing and non-ionizing, to denote the energy and danger of the
radiation. Ionization is the process of removing electrons from atoms, leaving
two electrically charged particles (ions) behind. Some forms of radiation like
visible light, microwaves, or radio waves do not have sufficient energy to
remove electrons from atoms and hence, are called non-ionizing radiation. The
negatively charged electrons and positively charged nuclei created by ionizing
radiation may cause damage in living tissue. The term radioactivity
generally refers to the release of ionizing radiation.
see
physics,
nuclear physics
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Particle Radiation | Phonon | Roton
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