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Chapter 21: Problem 68

Which are classified as ionizing radiation: X rays, alpha particles, microwaves from a cell phone, and gamma rays?

Short Answer

Expert verified
X rays, alpha particles, and gamma rays are classified as ionizing radiation as they carry enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms or molecules, creating ions. In contrast, microwaves from a cell phone are classified as non-ionizing radiation because they do not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules.

Step by step solution

01

X rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves, carrying enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms or molecules, thus creating ions. Therefore, X rays are classified as ionizing radiation. #2. Alpha particles#

Alpha particles are energetic, positively charged particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons. They are emitted during radioactive decay processes. As they have a high kinetic energy, alpha particles can easily ionize atoms or molecules they encounter. Therefore, alpha particles are also classified as ionizing radiation. #3. Microwaves from a cell phone#
02

Microwaves are low-energy electromagnetic waves. They have a lower frequency and energy compared to X rays and gamma rays. Microwaves from cell phones are not energetic enough to ionize atoms or molecules, so they are classified as non-ionizing radiation. #4. Gamma rays#

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves emitted by radioactive substances and certain nuclear processes such as nuclear fusion. They have the highest energy and frequency among all electromagnetic waves. Due to their extremely high energy, gamma rays can easily ionize atoms and lead to the creation of ions. Therefore, gamma rays are classified as ionizing radiation. To summarize, X rays, alpha particles, and gamma rays are classified as ionizing radiation, while microwaves from a cell phone are classified as non-ionizing radiation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The thermite reaction, \(\mathrm{Fe}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}(s)+2 \mathrm{Al}(s) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{Fe}(s)+\) \(\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}(s), \Delta H^{\circ}=-851.5 \mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol},\) is one of the most exothermic reactions known. Because the heat released is sufficient to melt the iron product, the reaction is used to weld metal under the ocean. How much heat is released per mole of \(\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) produced? How does this amount of thermal energy compare with the energy released when 2 mol of protons and 2 mol of neutrons combine to form 1 mol of alpha particles?

Complete and balance the nuclear equations for the following fission reactions: \begin{equation}(a) ^{2235} \mathrm{U}+_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \longrightarrow _{62}^{160} \mathrm{Sm}+ _{30}^{72} \mathrm{Zn}+_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n}\end{equation}\begin{equation} (b)^{239} \mathrm{Pu}+_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \longrightarrow _{58}^{144} \mathrm{Ce}+ 2 _{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \end{equation}

What particle is produced during the following decay processes: \((\mathbf{a})\) sodium-24 decays to magnesium-24; \((\mathbf{b})\) mercury-188 decays to gold-188; \((\mathbf{c})\)iodine-122 decays to xenon-122; \((\mathbf{d})\) plutonium-242 decays to uranium-238?

Each of the following transmutations produces a radionuclide used in positron emission tomography (PET). (a) Inequations (i) and (ii), identify the species signified as "X." (b) In equation (iii), one of the species is indicated as "d." What do you think it represents? \begin{equation}\begin{array}{l}{(\mathrm{i})^{14} \mathrm{N}(\mathrm{p}, \alpha) \mathrm{X}} \\ {(\mathrm{ii})^{18} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{p}, \mathrm{X})^{18} \mathrm{F}} \\ {\text { (iii) }^{14} \mathrm{N}(\mathrm{d}, \mathrm{n})^{15} \mathrm{O}}\end{array}\end{equation}

Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: \begin{equation}\begin{array}{l}{\text { (a) }_{17}^{14} \mathrm{N}+_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} \longrightarrow ? +_{1}^{1} \mathrm{H}} \\ {\text { (b) }_{19}^{40} \mathrm{K}+_{1}^{0} \mathrm{e} \ \mathrm{(orbital \ electron) \longrightarrow ?}}\\\ {\text { (c) }_{}{} \mathrm{?}+_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} \longrightarrow_{14}^{30} \mathrm{Si} +_{1}^{1} \mathrm{H}}\\\ {\text { (d) }_{26}^{58} \mathrm{Fe} +2 _{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \longrightarrow_{27}^{60} \mathrm{Co}+?}\\\ {\text { (e) }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{U}\longrightarrow+_{0}^{1} n \longrightarrow_{54}^{135} \mathrm{Xe}+2_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n}+?} \end{array}\end{equation}
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