What type of radiation are radio signals?

• A. Ionizing radiation
• B. Non-ionizing radiation
• C. Gamma radiation
• D. X-rays

Answer: (B)

Radio signals are classified as non-ionizing radiation. This type of radiation has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule around or cause them to vibrate, but it does not have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms or molecules, which is the defining characteristic of ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation, on the other hand, includes high-energy types of radiation such as gamma rays and X-rays, which are capable of ionizing atoms and potentially causing damage to biological tissues. As such, radio signals operate at much lower frequencies and have longer wavelengths than ionizing radiation, making them a safe form of energy transmission for communication purposes. Understanding this classification is important for operators, as it informs safety practices when working with radio equipment and helps to demystify the nature of the signals used in various forms of telecommunications.