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( Ionizing radiation)
Ionizing radiation consists of highly-energetic particles or waves that can detach (ionize) at least one electron from an atom or molecule. Ionizing ability depends on the energy of individual particles or waves, and not on their number. A large flood of particles or waves will not, in the most common situations, cause ionization if the individual particles or waves are not by themselves ionizing. Examples of ionizing radiation are energetic beta particles, neutrons, and alpha particles. The ability of light waves (photons) to ionize an atom or molecule varies across the electromagnetic spectrum. X-rays and gamma rays can ionize almost any molecule or atom; far ultraviolet light can ionize many atoms and molecules; near ultraviolet and visible light are ionizing to very few molecules; microwaves and radio waves are non-ionizing radiation. Visible light is so ubiquitous that molecules that are ionized by it often react nearly spontaneously unless protected by materials that block the visible spectrum. Examples include photographic film and some molecules involved in photosynthesis. Ionizing radiation has many practical uses in medicine, research, construction, and other areas, but presents a health hazard if used improperly. If enough ionizations occur in a biological system, they can be destructive, by such means as causing DNA damage in individual cells. Extensive doses of ionizing radiation have been shown to have a mutating effect on the victim's descendants. Both helpful and harmful aspects of ionizing radiation are discussed below. Various types of ionizing radiation may be produced by radioactive decay, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion, extremely hot objects via blackbody radiation, and by particle accelerators.
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