How does an atom become ionized by radiation?

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Multiple Choice

How does an atom become ionized by radiation?

Ionization by radiation happens when the energy carried by the radiation is deposited into an electron enough to overcome the electron’s binding energy to the nucleus. If that energy transfer meets or exceeds the binding energy, the electron is ejected, creating an ion pair—one positively charged ion and a free electron. In diagnostic radiology, x-rays and gamma rays ionize matter mainly through interactions like the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering, where electrons are knocked out as energy is transferred from the photon to the electron. If the energy transfer is insufficient, the electron remains bound and ionization does not occur. The other statements don’t fit because ionization requires energy input, does not involve adding protons to the nucleus, and isn’t a chemical reaction with a solvent.

Ionization by radiation happens when the energy carried by the radiation is deposited into an electron enough to overcome the electron’s binding energy to the nucleus. If that energy transfer meets or exceeds the binding energy, the electron is ejected, creating an ion pair—one positively charged ion and a free electron. In diagnostic radiology, x-rays and gamma rays ionize matter mainly through interactions like the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering, where electrons are knocked out as energy is transferred from the photon to the electron. If the energy transfer is insufficient, the electron remains bound and ionization does not occur. The other statements don’t fit because ionization requires energy input, does not involve adding protons to the nucleus, and isn’t a chemical reaction with a solvent.

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