What types of ionizing radiation are there?

Ionizing radiation can be divided into the following types: Alpha particles: composed of helium nuclei, with strong ionizing ability and weak penetrating power. Beta particles: high-speed electrons or positrons, with strong ionization ability and stronger penetrating power than alpha particles. Gamma rays: electromagnetic waves with extremely strong penetrating power and can penetrate concrete and lead. X-rays: electromagnetic waves with weaker penetrating power than gamma rays and used for medical imaging. Neutrons: subatomic particles with moderate penetrating power and can penetrate concrete and water.

Types of ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that can cause atoms or molecules in matter to lose electrons. Radiation that causes matter to become charged. Ionizing radiation is mainly divided into the following types:

1. α particles (α): Alpha particles are composed of helium nuclei and carry two protons and two neutrons. They have strong ionizing power but weak penetrating power, typically only traveling a few centimeters through the air.
2. β particles (β): β particles are high-speed electrons or positrons with strong ionization ability, but their penetrating power is stronger than α particles. They can penetrate paper or thin foil but will be blocked by thicker materials.
3. γ ray (γ): γ ray is a kind of electromagnetic wave, similar to X-ray, but with shorter wavelength and higher energy. They are extremely penetrating and can penetrate most materials, including thick concrete and lead.
4. X-ray: X-ray is also a kind of electromagnetic wave, with a longer wavelength and lower energy than gamma rays. They are commonly used in medical imaging and material inspection.
5. Neutron (n): Neutrons are uncharged subatomic particles with slightly greater mass than protons. They have moderate penetrating power and can penetrate many materials, but are blocked by dense substances such as concrete and water.

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