Which of the following does not fall under the category of ionizing radiations?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Microwave. Microwaves do not fall under the category of ionizing radiations.
Breakdown of Each Option:
1. (a) Ultraviolet:
· Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has short wavelengths (10 nm to 400 nm) and higher energy compared to visible light.
· Some UV radiation (particularly UV-C) is capable of ionizing atoms and molecules, making it partially ionizing.
2. (b) X-rays:
· X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 0.01 nm to 10 nm.
· They are highly penetrating and can ionize atoms, making them ionizing radiation.
3. (c) Microwave:
· Microwaves have long wavelengths (1 mm to 1 m) and low energy compared to ionizing radiations.
· They cannot ionize atoms or molecules, and therefore, microwaves are non-ionizing radiation.
4. (d) Gamma rays:
· Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths less than 0.01 nm.
· They are produced by radioactive decay and are highly ionizing.
Information Booster 1. Ionizing Radiation:
· Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions.
· Examples include X-rays, gamma rays, and some UV rays.
2. Non-Ionizing Radiation:
· Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules.
· Examples include microwaves, radio waves, infrared, and visible light.
3. Sources of Ionizing Radiation:
· Natural sources: Cosmic rays, radioactive minerals (uranium, radon).
· Artificial sources: Medical X-rays, radiation therapy, nuclear reactors.
4. Health Effects:
· Ionizing Radiation: Can damage DNA, potentially causing mutations, cancer, and radiation sickness.
· Non-Ionizing Radiation: Generally considered less harmful but can cause thermal effects (e.g., microwave heating).
Additional Knowledge · Microwave Radiation:
· Used in household appliances, wireless communications, and radar.
· It causes molecules (especially water) to vibrate and heat up.
· X-rays:
· Used in medical imaging to view bones and tissues.
· Excessive exposure can lead to cell damage.
· Gamma Rays:
· Emitted by radioactive elements and used in cancer treatment (radiotherapy).
· Can penetrate through most materials and require lead shielding.