Ionizing radiation
Slide 6 of 18
Some types of radiation have enough energy to cause electrons to be liberated from their orbits, creating two charged particles called ions. The process of liberating electrons is called ionization. Radiation that has sufficient energy to cause ionization is called ionizing radiation. Three most common types of ionizing radiation are alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
Ionization causes biological damage. It also allows us to easily detect radiation and to shield against it. Removing electrons changes the chemical properties of the material.
