Radiation
| Definition: |
Emission or propagation of electromagnetic energy (waves/rays), or the waves/rays themselves; a stream of electromagnetic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons, alpha particles) or a mixture of these. The most common source is the sun. |
| Notes: |
GEN; /adv eff = RADIATION INJURIES but see note there; /diag use = RADIOGRAPHY or RADIONUCLIDE IMAGING; Manual 29.12, 29.13; radiation scattering = SCATTERING, RADIATION; TN 158: how to index x-rays, gamma rays & cathode rays; radiation policy: see Manual |
| Also Called: |
Electromagnetic Energy |
Radiation Categories.
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Fluorescence - The property of emitting radiation while being irradiated. The radiation emitted is usually of longer wavelength than that incident or absorbed, e.g., a substance can be irradiated with invisible radiation and emit visible light. X-ray fluorescence is used in diagnosis. |
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Radiation Tolerance - The ability of some cells or tissues to withstand ionizing radiation without serious injury. Tolerance depends on the species, cell type, and physical and chemical variables, including RADIATION-PROTECTIVE AGENTS and RADIATION-SENSITIZING AGENTS. |
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Radiation, Ionizing - Electromagnetic or corpuscular radiation capable of producing ions, directly or indirectly, in its passage through matter. The wavelengths are equal to or smaller than those of short (far) ultraviolet radiation and include gamma and X-rays and high-energy elementary particles. |
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Radiation, Nonionizing - Electromagnetic radiation which does not produce ions in matter through which it passes. Its wavelengths are generally greater than those of far ultraviolet radiation and range through the longest radio waves. |
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Scattering, Radiation - The process in which energy is removed from a beam of light or other electromagnetic radiation and emitted without appreciable change in wavelength. May be considered as the change in direction of a particle or photon owing to a collision with another particle or system. |
Radiation Definitions and Terms
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