Question

The two forms of radiation are ionizing and non-ionizing. Which of the following statements is true for non-ionizing radiation?

A) Non-ionizing radiation can cause ionization of atoms.
B) Non-ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms.
C) Non-ionizing radiation typically has lower energy and cannot ionize atoms.
D) Non-ionizing radiation only occurs in specific radioactive materials.

Answer 1

The correct statement regarding non-ionizing radiation is that it typically has lower energy and cannot ionize atoms, in contrast to ionizing radiation that can remove electrons and cause damage to biological molecules. The correct answer is C) Non-ionizing radiation typically has lower energy and cannot ionize atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the given statements about non-ionizing radiation, the true one is that non-ionizing radiation typically has lower energy and cannot ionize atoms.

Non-ionizing radiation includes types like light and microwaves, which can increase the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules, effectively heating the material, but it does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or break chemical bonds within molecules, unlike its counterpart, ionizing radiation, which includes α and β particles, γ rays, X-rays, and high-energy ultraviolet radiation.

While non-ionizing radiation can have effects on biological systems, generally in the form of heat, it is relatively harmless unless its intensity is so great that it causes overheating.

Ionizing radiation, on the other hand, can be harmful by causing direct damage to biological molecules, such as DNA. Hence, the correct statement is C) Non-ionizing radiation typically has lower energy and cannot ionize atoms.