Radiation refers to the emission and transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles. It can occur in various forms, including:
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Electromagnetic Radiation: This includes a wide range of radiation types characterized by their wavelengths or frequencies, such as:
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared radiation
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet radiation
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
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Particle Radiation: This involves the emission of particles, which can include:
- Alpha particles (helium nuclei)
- Beta particles (electrons or positrons)
- Neutrons
Radiation can be natural (such as cosmic rays and radiation from radioactive materials in the Earth) or man-made (such as X-rays or radiation from nuclear power plants). It can have beneficial uses, such as in medicine (e.g., cancer treatment), while also posing health risks, particularly when exposure is uncontrolled or excessive, leading to potential harmful effects like radiation sickness or increased cancer risk.