1
$\begingroup$

It is well established that ionising radiation is radiation with sufficient energy to remove an electron from an atom. Although since the ionisation energy differs between atoms I'm unclear on how we define at what energy radiation becomes ionising.

So my question is how do we define radiation as ionising or not based on the previous statement.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ It is a slightly fuzzy line, but generally it is taken in the UV. $\endgroup$
    – Jon Custer
    May 9, 2020 at 0:36

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

Its a very loosely defined term for sure. However, it is a fairly specific band of frequencies that can do this. For example, infrared or radio waves would not be ionising. Usually this requires a wavelength scales of 100nm or so, so certainly not every form of radiation is ionising.

Edit: Some sources simply define it at 10eV (125 nm), but certainly this is at best an order of magnitude thing, and not really a set number.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ I guess then as a result of this very loose definition, it can be said that what you consider as ionising would have to differ based on the specifics of your experiment. $\endgroup$
    – John Tracey
    May 9, 2020 at 12:42

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.