| Radiation is high-speed particles and high-energy electromagnetic
waves that are emitted when an atomic nucleus is split etc. It is invisible and
intangible. |
| Types of radiation include alpha (α) rays, beta (β) rays,
gamma (γ) rays, X rays, and neutron rays. A characteristic of radiation is that
it can pass through objects, the degree of penetration varying according to the
type of radiation and other conditions. This property is taken advantage of in
the use of radiation for inspection and survey purposes. X rays, first observed
by a scientist named Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895, are now familiar to us, since
they are commonly used for physical examinations. However, if exposed to a massive
dose of radiation, the human body is injured. In the case of atomic bombs, it
is said that gamma rays and neutron rays caused the most serious injury to the
victims’ bodies. |
| A-bomb radiation and its impact on humans |
| Many A-bomb victims were exposed not only to the initial
radiation that was released instantly when the bomb exploded, but also to residual
radiation. Residual radiation includes the radioactive particles that fall to
earth following a nuclear explosion (so-called “radioactive fallout” or “ashes
of death”) and the rain that contains such radioactive materials (so-called “black
rain”). |
| Difference between radiation and radioactivity |
| Radiation is emitted from radioactive materials. Radioactivity
is the capacity of radioactive materials to emit radiation. Thinking like this
will help you better understand: Radioactivity would correspond to the flames
of a bonfire, whereas radiation is the heat emitted by the fire. |
| A boy at the bonfire |
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