Answered: Why is ionizing radiation so dangerous?

Chemistry

10th Edition

ISBN:9781305957404

Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Chapter1: Chemical Foundations

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...

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Why is ionizing radiation so dangerous?

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Ionizing radiation has so much energy as it can knock electrons out of atoms, a process known as ionization.

Ionizing radiation can affect the atoms in living things, When the dose is high enough, ionizing radiation causes two types of harm to humans: direct tissue damage and cancer.

Direct tissue damage happens when enough molecules are broken apart that the cells simply can no longer function.

This can lead to radiation burns, radiation sickness, organ failure, and even death

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