What type of radiation is caused by particles or electromagnetic waves that can detach electrons from atoms?

Ionizing radiation is defined by its ability to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, thereby creating ions. This process occurs when the energy of the radiation is high enough to overcome the binding energy of the electrons. The particles associated with ionizing radiation include alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, all of which possess sufficient energy to cause this effect.

When ionizing radiation interacts with matter, it can lead to significant chemical and biological changes, which is why it is often associated with harmful effects such as radiation sickness and increased cancer risk. Understanding this property of ionizing radiation is crucial in fields such as occupational safety, healthcare, and environmental health, where the risks associated with radiation exposure need to be managed effectively.