-
or nuclei, they can actually interact with atoms and nuclei.
-
One of the things that X-rays and gamma rays can do
-
that other rays don't is ionize an object.
-
They can actually eject electrons from the atoms
-
inside of a material and create ions.
-
The ions that they create are often reactive.
-
This is what makes these short wavelength,
-
high energy forms of radiation biologically hazardous
-
because they are in the category called ionizing radiation.
-
When they hit your body they can produce changes,
-
in particular, produce atoms-- or ions from atoms.
-
These ions can further react;