Radiácia

Radiácia refers to the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or through a material medium. This phenomenon encompasses a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, as well as streams of energetic particles like alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. The energy carried by radiation can interact with matter in various ways, leading to different effects.

Ionizing radiation possesses enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, creating ions. This type of radiation, including X-rays, gamma rays, and some subatomic particles, can be harmful to living organisms as it can damage DNA and cells. Conversely, non-ionizing radiation, such as visible light and radio waves, has lower energy and typically does not cause ionization. However, high-intensity non-ionizing radiation can still have thermal effects.

Sources of radiation are diverse. Natural sources include cosmic rays from outer space and radioactive elements found naturally in the Earth's crust. Artificial sources are also prevalent and include medical imaging equipment (X-rays, CT scans), radiation therapy devices, nuclear power plants, and certain industrial applications. Understanding radiation is crucial for its applications in medicine, industry, and scientific research, as well as for managing its potential risks.