What term describes radiation that causes the formation of ion pairs?

The term that describes radiation that causes the formation of ion pairs is ionizing radiation. This type of radiation carries enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms, leading to the creation of charged particles, or ion pairs. Ionizing radiation includes alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays, all of which can impact cellular structures, potentially causing biological effects such as mutations or cancer.

In the context of radiation safety and radon measurement, understanding ionizing radiation is crucial because it emphasizes the health risks associated with exposure to certain types of radiation found in environments such as homes where radon gas can accumulate. Conversely, non-ionizing radiation, such as visible light or radio waves, does not possess enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules and thus does not create ion pairs. This distinction is important for understanding the potential health impacts of different types of radiation encountered in various situations, including the assessment of radon levels in residential settings.

Radioactive decay, while related, specifically refers to the process through which unstable isotopes release energy by emitting radiation, and it may or may not involve ionizing radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is a broader category that includes both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, but it does not specifically address the ion