Ionizing Radiation Source

Source of ionizing radiation

A source of ionizing radiation is an object that has the ability to emit ionizing radiation. Sources of ionizing radiation include:

1. Radioactive substances - they emit ionizing radiation as a result of the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. Such substances include uranium, radium, plutonium and their compounds.

2. X-ray tubes - in them, ionizing X-ray radiation occurs when accelerated electrons interact with a target. X-ray tubes are widely used in medicine and industry.

3. Nuclear reactors - controlled chain nuclear fission reactions occur in them, accompanied by the emission of ionizing neutrons and gamma radiation.

4. Charged particle accelerators are devices in which particles (electrons, protons, ions) are accelerated to high speeds and, when interacting with matter, emit ionizing radiation.

5. Outer space is a source of cosmic rays, consisting of high-energy charged particles capable of ionizing matter.

Thus, sources of ionizing radiation are widely used in science, medicine and industry, but when working with them, radiation safety measures must be observed.

Source of ionizing radiation

**A source of ionizing (radioactive) radiation** is an object that has the ability to emit radioactive radiation. The radiation source can be represented by various physical phenomena or materials, such as radioactive elements, X-ray emitters, nuclear and radioisotope sources and space objects. All of these types of radiation sources can be affected by external radiation and must be considered in terms of their radiation hazard.

1. Radioactive sources

Radioactive materials are sources of ionizing radiation that can cause significant harm to human health or cause significant economic loss to countries and companies. For example, radionuclides can enter the environment through rain or soil, be diluted with water and spread radiation contamination further, creating a danger to human life. The most dangerous radioactive isotopes include strontium, cobalt, iron and mercury. They can be scattered throughout the earth and accumulate in bodies of water, soil and living things. Consequently, a person faces risks from exposure to these radioactive materials in everyday life, especially if they are located near his place of work or residence.

Some radioactive sources are highly penetrating, meaning that they are able to reach deep into the body and disrupt some important biological processes at the cellular level without visible traces. As a result, health suffers