Only the high frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes X rays and gamma rays, is ionizing. What makes radiation wave-like? Most of the more familiar types of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light and radio waves, exhibit “wave-like” behaviour in their interaction with matter.

Are gamma rays highly ionising?

Gamma radiation is highly penetrating and interacts with matter through ionisation via three processes; photoelectric effect, Compton scattering or pair production. Due to their high penetration power, the impact of gamma radiation can occur throughout a body, they are however less ionising than alpha particles.

Are gamma rays a form of ionizing radiation?

What are the Types of Ionizing Radiation? Five types of ionizing radiation—alpha particles, beta particles, positrons, gamma rays, and X-rays—are the primary focus of this Ionizing Radiation Safety and Health Topics page.