What is Radiation?

Radiation is a form of energy that travels from one point to another via a stream of particles (i.e., particulate radiation) or by waves (i.e., electromagnetic radiation).

1. Particulate radiation consists of tiny, fast-moving particles that have energy and mass. This type of radiation is produced by the disintegration of radioactive elements, which happens to lead to the generation of neutrons and beta particles.^1,2,3,4

2. Electromagnetic radiation Can be conveyed as photons, which are essentially small “packets” of energy. These are almost purely energy, contain no mass, and travel through space and matter as waves at the speed of light.^1,2,3,4