Question

We use the term electromagnetic radiation to refer to all frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum, from microwaves to cosmic rays. What is the characteristic feature of the radiation we commonly call radioactivity?

A. It causes organic molecules to luminesce.
B. It is responsible for the static seen on TV and heard on AM radios.
C. Radiation results in the formation of chain reactions in all radioactive isotopes.
D. It ionizes molecules and causes biological damage.
E. It is lethal to all living things and is thus used extensively for food preservation in a process called irradiation.

Answer 1

The characteristic feature of radioactivity is that it ionizes molecules and causes biological damage, due to the energy emitted from atomic nuclei that can disrupt atoms or molecules within living cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic feature of the radiation we commonly call radioactivity is D. It ionizes molecules and causes biological damage. Whereas electromagnetic radiation includes a broad range of wavelengths, including radio waves and visible light, radioactivity specifically refers to the emission of particles or energy from atomic nuclei. This process can lead to ionization, whereby atoms or molecules gain or lose electrons, resulting in charged particles called ions. The ionizing nature of radioactive emissions can damage biological molecules such as DNA, which is why it's both a health hazard and a tool for applications like sterilizing medical equipment through its ability to kill bacteria and viruses.