DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

What kind of radiation has the potential to cause ion formation in tissue?

1. Non-ionizing radiation

2. Thermal radiation

3. Ionizing radiation

4. Visible light

The correct answer is: Ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation is characterized by its ability to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which leads to the creation of ions. This process occurs when radiation carries enough energy to overcome the binding energy of electrons, resulting in ion formation. This is particularly important in the context of dental radiography, where ionizing radiation is used to create images of the teeth and surrounding bone structures. In contrast, non-ionizing radiation, thermal radiation, and visible light do not have sufficient energy to ionize atoms. Non-ionizing radiation includes types such as radio waves and microwaves, which are generally safe for human tissue as they do not initiate ion formation. Thermal radiation refers to the emission of heat energy, while visible light represents only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and also lacks the high-energy photons required to produce ions. Thus, the potential for ion formation directly correlates with the energy levels present in ionizing radiation, making it the correct answer.