Radiation can be defined as
small (subatomic) particles
with kinetic energy that are radiated or transmitted through space.
One form of radiation possesses properties
of light, with most of the radiation around us having this
quality.
E.g.: X rays and gamma rays, which are used in medicine
Other radiation possesses particle-like
properties (so small, these particles cannot be seen with
a microscope).
E.g.: alpha rays, beta rays (from radioactive
materials), heavy particle radiation (used in treating cancer)
X
rays and gamma rays are short wavelength
electromagnetic waves (with properties equivalent to light).
All the various waves shown below are electromagnetic waves and
related to light.
Electromagnetic waves (radiation) = flow of energy transmitted
through space (Sohei Kondo)
When radiation's
wavelength is shorter than the wavelength of ultraviolet
light (with increased energy), it can pass through
the human body (as is the case with
X rays and gamma rays). Even clothing cannot deter
such radiation.
Alpha,
beta, and gamma rays are radiation emitted from atomic
nuclei, but X rays result when high-speed electrons collide
with metal.
Neutron
radiation is made up of particle rays and represents
one aspect of A-bomb radiation.
Radiation exists everywhere on Earth--in the
air, the oceans, and even the ground.