Question

______ is more commonly called ionization radiation.

• A. Gamma rays
• B. UV rays
• C. Radio waves
• D. Microwaves

Hint:

Ionizing radiation sources approved for food processing include Cobalt-60 or Cesium-137 (gamma emitters), machine-generated electron beams (e-beams), and X-rays. They are highly effective for "cold pasteurization" without heating the food.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Radiation is classified as either ionizing or non-ionizing based on its ability to ionize atoms and molecules.
Ionizing radiation possesses high energy levels capable of stripping electrons from atoms, creating ions and free radicals that disrupt chemical bonds and microbial D.

Step 2: Detailed Explation:
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of waves with varying wavelengths and frequencies.
Gamma rays, which have extremely short wavelengths ($<$ 10 pm) and exceptiolly high frequencies, carry sufficient energy to penetrate deep into materials and induce ionization.
Therefore, gamma rays (along with X-rays and electron beams) are classified as ionizing radiation and are used in food irradiation to sterilize or pasteurize foods.
In contrast, ultraviolet (UV) rays, visible light, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radio waves do not have enough photon energy to eject electrons from atoms.
While UV rays can excite electrons and cause photochemical damage, they are generally classified as non-ionizing.
Microwaves and radio waves have very low energies and only cause molecular rotation and heating without any chemical ionization.

Step 3: Fil Answer:
Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that cause ionization, making them the classic example of ionizing radiation.
Hence, the correct option is (A).