Definition and Example of Radiation

Radiation and radioactivity are two concepts that are often misunderstood. Here is a definition of radiation and see how it differs from radioactivity.

Definition of Radiation

Radiation is the emission and multiplication of energy in the form of waves, rays or particles. There are three main types of radiation:

• Non-ionizing radiation: This is the release of energy from the low-energy region of the electromagnetic spectrum. These include light, radio, microwaves, infrared (heat), and ultraviolet light.
• Ionizing radiation: This is radiation with enough energy to remove electrons from atomic orbitals, forming ions. Ionizing radiation includes x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles.
• Neutron: Neutrons are particles found in the nucleus of an atom. When they escape from the nucleus, they have energy and act as radiation.

Radiation Example

Radiation is classified as emanation from any part of the electromagnetic spectrum, plus it includes the release of particles. Examples include:

• Lighted candles emit radiation in the form of heat and light.
• The sun emits radiation in the form of light, heat, and particles.
• Uranium-238 decays into Thorium-234 emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles.
• Electrons falling from one energy state to a lower energy state emit radiation in the form of photons.

Difference Between Radiation And Radioactivity

Radiation is the release of energy, whether in the form of waves or particles. Radioactivity refers to the decay or splitting of atomic nuclei. Radioactive materials release radiation when they decay. Examples of decay include alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, neutron release, and spontaneous fission. All radiation is accompanied by the release of radioactive isotopes, but not all radiation comes from radioactivity.