Texas Industrial Radiography Gamma Practice Test

Gamma and X-Radiations can be detected and measured because they can remove what from atoms?

1. Electrons

2. Neutrons

3. Protons

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Electrons

Gamma and X-radiations are forms of electromagnetic radiation with sufficient energy to ionize atoms. This means they can strip electrons away from the atoms they interact with. The removal of electrons leads to the formation of positively charged ions. While neutrons and protons play significant roles in the structure of the nucleus, they are not removed by gamma or X-radiation in typical interactions. The primary mechanism through which these types of radiation exert their effects is via ionization, which predominantly involves the ejection of electrons from surrounding atoms. This ionization process is fundamental to how detectors measure radiation exposure, as the interaction of gamma and X-radiation with matter leads to detectable electron emissions. Detecting these changes allows for the quantification and analysis of radiation levels in various environments, particularly in industrial radiography applications. Thus, the focus on electron removal accurately reflects the primary process that enables the detection and measurement of gamma and X-radiations.