Radiological Worker II Training Certification Practice Exam

Ionizing radiation is characterized by its ability to carry enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, a process known as ionization. This ability to ionize atoms is crucial because it can lead to significant changes in atomic and molecular structures, potentially causing damage to biological tissues. Such damage can result in a variety of effects, including cellular mutations and disruptions in normal cellular function. Examples of ionizing radiation include X-rays, gamma rays, and certain particles emitted from radioactive materials.

In contrast, non-ionizing radiation, which includes forms such as visible light, microwaves, and radio waves, does not carry sufficient energy to ionize atoms. Instead, it primarily causes atoms to vibrate or move, which can lead to heating effects but not the structural alterations seen with ionizing radiation. This fundamental difference in energy levels is what categorizes radiation into ionizing and non-ionizing types, making the second option the correct answer in this context.