We all have heard of people talking about side effects caused by the long use of laptops, mobile phones, X-ray scanners. This side effect is known as radiation. Now let us understand the concepts of radiation.
What is radiation?
Radiation is defined as the emission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or through a medium. It is categorized as ionizing and non-ionizing. This categorization is based on the energy of the radiated particles. There are different types of radiation. Considering the higher level of stress and huge pressure at workplaces, modern businesses with the help of advanced technology have developed massage chairs to reduce the level of stress and to live active. In the last few years, the usage of massage chairs has witnessed tremendous growth and now they are even recommended by the American College of Physicians and American Pain Society.
What are the types of radiation?
Following are the types of radiation:
- Alpha radiation: These radiations are the ejected helium nucleus and are of short range. Most of these radiations do not penetrate through the skin but when inhaled or swallowed, it can be harmful. There are instruments that are used for the detection of alpha particles like a thin-window Geiger-Mueller (GM) probe. Examples of alpha emitters are uranium, radium, and thorium.
- Beta radiation: These radiations are ejected electrons and are of short range. These radiations can penetrate through the skin when new skin cells are produced. Even these can be detected using the GM probe. Examples of beta radiation are tritium, carbon-14, and sulfur-35.
- Gamma and X-rays: These are electromagnetic radiation and are highly penetrating. They are also known as penetrating radiation as they can easily penetrate through the skin. These rays are detected using a sodium iodide detector probe. Examples of gamma emitters are cobalt-60, radium-226, and iodine-131.
Modern massage chairs are very effective and they work as energy boosters for the body to get the required amount of energy to be utilized at workplaces. The energy helps the body to get rejuvenated and it also enhances the level of productivity throughout the day. Once a person sits on the chair, with the help of its advanced mechanism the worn-out and the tired muscles are rolled out to give them the relaxation toper form with more efficiency.
Uses of radiation
Following are the uses of radiation:
- Medical uses: There are many medical uses of radiation to diagnose, monitor and treat the medical conditions in humans. Radiation therapy is an example.
- Agricultural uses: Radioisotopes are used as tracers for the detection of the number of fertilizers uptaken by the crops.
- Industrial uses: Since gamma rays are highly penetrating, it can be used for the detection of welds and metal castings.
Interested to learn more on the applications, harmful effects of radiation and also other Physics related concepts like Dirac equation, electric dipole, etc, visit BYJU’S.