Effects of Radiation on Matter

]Claimed by Venkat Natarajan

Radiations and their interactions with matter.

The Main Idea

Radiation consists of 2 components, electric fields and magnetic fields. The question being answered is "How do these radiations interact with matter?" We know that an atom is basically a nucleus and its electron cloud, but the nucleus is so small that the chances of radiations striking the nucleus is negligible. On the other hand, the peripheral electrons stand a much greater chance (about [math]\displaystyle{ 10^9 }[/math]) of getting impacted by radiation. The denser the material, the higher number of subatomic particles which results in a greater probability of interaction.

Description of The Interaction

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, so when a photon encounters a particles, it transfers its energy to the particle. This energy can be returned to scattered in a different direction, transmitted through, or absorbed through the material. The force that these particles experience is caused by the electric field, which we have studied before : [math]\displaystyle{ F=qE }[/math]

Scattering

Electromagnetic radiations can be reflected or scattered by the material. The laws that govern this are the same as those that govern reflection of light, as explained in Optics.

Transmission

This happens when the radiation is allowed to pass through. Depending on the material and type of radiation, different amounts of radiation are transmitted. If the material does not absorb any, it is said to be transparent. However, perfect transparency is only theoretical as some energy (which may be unnoticeable) is absorbed or reflected.

Absorption

Here, the material absorbs the energy, totally or partially. This usually results in some sort of change in the material.

Note: If the energy is below a certain level, no physical interaction is possible. This level is the threshold energy.

Importance of The Frequency of Electromagnetic Radiation

Depending on the frequency, its effect on matter varies. For example-

• Waves with a high frequency of around 10^15 Hz interact with organic molecules of your eye, allowing you to see light. However, the same waves have no effect on satellites.
• Waves with a frequency of around 10^6 Hz help in communication and are called radio waves. Antennas are able to pick them up and allow us to listen to music that is played from radio stations. As we have observed through experience, radio waves have no effect on our eyes.
• X-rays have an extremely high frequency and pass through most of our body, except for the highly dense areas, like our bones. This allows us to "look through" people.

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