Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What type of radiation includes alpha particles?

1. Non-ionizing radiation

2. Electromagnetic radiation

3. Ionizing radiation

4. Thermal radiation

The correct answer is: Ionizing radiation

Alpha particles are classified as ionizing radiation because they have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to the formation of ions. This process can cause significant damage to biological tissues and DNA, which is why alpha particles pose a higher risk in safety and health contexts when they come into contact with living organisms. In terms of the other types of radiation mentioned, non-ionizing radiation does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules; examples include radio waves and visible light. Electromagnetic radiation encompasses a wider spectrum, including both ionizing and non-ionizing types; however, alpha particles, being particles rather than waves, do not fit within the electromagnetic category. Thermal radiation refers specifically to the energy emitted by bodies due to their temperature and is also not a category that includes alpha particles. Therefore, the classification of alpha particles as ionizing radiation is appropriate due to their distinct ability to ionize matter and the associated health risks.