What is radiation?


 
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Radiation is the term used for all phenomena characterised by the transport of energy, either by waves or sub-atomic particles. The highest energy waves can behave just like particles, and sub-atomic particles can behave just like waves. This is called the wave – particle duality.

For more information on different aspects of radiation click on the right-hand links to:

  • the electomagnetic spectrum
  • particle radiation: radioactivity and cosmic rays
  • the effects of magnetic fields
  • radiation and life
     
      
     
      
    Last update: 7 October 2008

     •  The electromagnetic spectrum (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Lessons_online/SEMHU1V7D7F_0.html)
     •  Particle radiation (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Lessons_online/SEM8V1V7D7F_0.html)
     •  The effects of magnetic fields (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Lessons_online/SEM4W1V7D7F_0.html)
     •  Radiation and life (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Lessons_online/SEMUY1V7D7F_0.html)

    Find out more

     •  ISS (http://www.esa.int/esaHS/iss.html)
     •  How to become an astronaut (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/ESA1RMGBCLC_Life_0.html)