Hiukkassäteilyä

Hiukkassäteilyä, or particle radiation, refers to radiation composed of subatomic particles. These particles, possessing mass and kinetic energy, can travel through space or matter. Examples include alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, and protons. Alpha particles are helium nuclei, relatively heavy and with a positive charge, easily stopped by paper or skin. Beta particles are electrons or positrons, lighter and with a negative or positive charge, capable of penetrating further than alpha particles but stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum. Neutrons are uncharged particles that can penetrate deeply into materials, making them a concern in nuclear applications. Protons, positively charged hydrogen nuclei, also have significant penetrating power.

The interaction of particle radiation with matter can lead to ionization, where electrons are stripped from atoms, or excitation, where electrons move to higher energy levels. This ionization and excitation are the primary mechanisms by which particle radiation can cause damage to biological tissues and materials. The intensity and type of particle radiation determine its biological and physical effects. Detecting particle radiation often involves devices that register the ionization or excitation caused by these particles. Understanding hiukkassäteilyä is crucial in fields such as nuclear physics, medical imaging, radiation therapy, and radiation protection.