Final answer:
X-rays, Cobalt-60, and electron beams are common sources of ionizing irradiation for tissue sterilization; they offer high-energy penetration and create significant ionization. Heat is not a source of ionizing radiation for sterilization purposes.
Correct option is c. Cobalt 60
Step-by-step explanation:
Common sources of ionizing irradiation used for tissue sterilization include X-rays, Cobalt-60 (Co-60), and electron beam therapy. X-rays, created at voltages up to 5 million volts, can have photon energies up to 5 MeV, which makes them highly penetrating and capable of creating significant ionization. Cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope with a gamma-ray emission averaging 1.25 MeV, is particularly useful in medical applications such as cancer therapy, as it allows for focused treatment of diseased tissue.
Electron beams, accelerated to energies of up to 10 MeV, also offer highly penetrating radiation that can induce ionization for sterilization purposes. Heat is not a source of ionizing radiation and thus is not commonly used for irradiation sterilization.