Radiation refers to the emission of energy in the form of particles or electromagnetic

waves.

- - Realease of energy in the form of waves or steam of particles

Particulate radiation happens when an unstable (or radioactive) atom disintegrates

- Particle radiation is common in nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and cosmic rays.

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation, on the other hand, has no mass and travels in waves.

- uch as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
These do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum (like sunlight reaching Earth).
- Radiation is both natural and man-made. Our bodies are exposed to natural radiation every day --
from soil and underground gases to cosmic radiation from the sun and outer space. We're also
exposed to radiation from our own inventions -- medical procedures, televisions, cell phones and
microwave ovens. Radiation isn't necessarily always dangerous. It depends on its strength, type
and the length of exposure.

This energy can originate from various sources, and there are different types of radiation. The two
main categories are ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation

1. Ionizing Radiation is a form of energy that acts by removing electrons from atoms and
molecules of materials that include air, water, and living tissue. Ionizing radiation can travel
unseen and pass through these materials.
Capable of freeing electrons from an atom, causing the atom to become charged (or
ionized). Ionizing radiation includes the more energetic end of the electromagnetic spectrum and
subatomic particles
- It can be harmful to living tissue and is used in medical imaging, cancer
treatment, and nuclear power generation. (high energy, shorther wavelength)

2. Non-ionizing Radiation a series of energy waves composed of oscillating

electric
and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light. Non-ionizing radiation
includes the
spectrum of ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio
frequency (RF), and extremely low frequency (ELF).
Non-ionizing radiation is any kind of radiation in the electromagnetic
spectrum that does not have enough energy to remove an electron from an
atom and turn it into an ion.
- Non-ionizing radiation is generally less harmful, though intense exposure
(e.g., UV light from the sun) can still cause damage.

RADIATION MEASUREMENTS
Radiation measurement, technique for detecting the intensity and characteristics of
ionizing radiation, such as alpha, beta, and gamma rays or neutrons, for the purpose of

measurement.

What is Radiation Measurement?

Radiation measurements are used to determine the amount of radiation present in a particular
area or material. Radiation is energy that is emitted from a source in the form of waves or particles.

There are several instruments used in radiation measurement. Here are some of the most commonly
used instruments:

1. Geiger-Muller Counter
This is a device used to measure ionizing radiation. It consists of a
tube filled with gas that is ionized by the radiation, and electrodes that detect
the resulting electrical signal. A Geiger counter exploits the natural process of
ionization to detect and measure radiation. The device houses a stable gas
within its chamber. When exposed to radioactive particles, this gas ionizes.
This generates an electrical current that the counter records over a period of
60 seconds.
-  It detects radiation by the ionization produced in a Geiger tube and
gives an audible or visual signal.
 Often used for general radiation detection in labs, industry, and
personal safety.

2. Scintillation detector

This is another device used to measure ionizing radiation. It consists of a crystal that emits

light when ionizing radiation passes through it. scintillation counter or scintillation detector is a
radiation detector that uses the effect known as scintillation. Scintillation is a flash of light produced in a
transparent material by passing a particle (an electron, an alpha particle, an ion, or a high-energy photon)

- Uses a scintillating material (e.g., sodium iodide) that emits light when struck
by radiation, which is then converted to an electrical signal for measurement.

3. Ionization chamber

The ionization chamber is a gas-filled radiation detector, and is widely used for the detection and
measurement of nuclear particles and certain types of ionizing radiation; X-rays, γ rays, and β particles.
Most of the detectors measure the ionization produced by the passage of a charged particle through a
suitable material. When an electric field is maintained across the material, the ions will be set in motion
resulting in ionization current.
 - Measures the ionizing radiation dose in the air, especially useful for
measuring high radiation fields. It is often used in calibration labs and
radiation therapy settings.

4. Thermoluminescence dosimeter

A thermoluminescent dosimeter, abbreviated as TLD, is a passive radiation dosimeter that

measures ionizing radiation exposure by measuring the intensity of visible light emitted from a
sensitive crystal in the detector when the crystal is heated. The intensity of light emitted is
measured by the TLD reader, depending on the radiation exposure.

- It is a device used to measure the amount of radiation a person is exposed to

over a period.
It consists of a crystal that is exposed to radiation and then heated.

1. Personal dosimeter

This is a device worn by radiation workers to measure the amount of radiation they are exposed to. It can
be a badge, or a small device worn on the body. Personal dosimetry refers to the process of measuring
and monitoring the radiation exposure of individuals, particularly in workplaces where there is a risk of
exposure to X-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons. It involves the use of specific materials and techniques to
assess and manage radiation doses effectively.

- A personal dosimeter is a portable device used by individuals to measure

their exposure to ionizing radiation, ensuring that it stays within safe levels.
It's commonly used by workers in environments like hospitals, nuclear
facilities, or research labs where radiation is present