Hiukkassäteilyn

Hiukkassäteily refers to electromagnetic radiation of such high frequency that it can knock electrons out of atoms and molecules. This process is known as ionization. In everyday language, it is often simply called radiation. The term is commonly used to refer to ionizing radiation, especially when it comes from radioactive sources, or is produced by particle accelerators.

The most common types of hiukkassäteily include alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus. They are relatively heavy and have a short range, easily stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin. Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons. They are lighter than alpha particles and can penetrate further, but can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum. Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves, similar to X-rays, but typically originating from nuclear decay. They are highly penetrating and require dense materials like lead or concrete for significant shielding.

Hiukkassäteily can originate from natural sources, such as cosmic rays from space and radioactive elements present in the Earth's crust, or from artificial sources, like medical imaging equipment, nuclear reactors, and particle accelerators. Exposure to high levels of hiukkassäteily can be harmful, causing cellular damage and increasing the risk of cancer. However, it also has beneficial applications in medicine for diagnosis and treatment, as well as in industrial processes for sterilization and material analysis.