Common Safety Orientation (CSO) Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a type of non-ionizing radiation?

1. Infrared radiation

2. Ultraviolet radiation

3. X-rays

4. Gamma rays

The correct answer is: Gamma rays

Non-ionizing radiation refers to types of electromagnetic radiation that do not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, meaning they cannot remove tightly bound electrons. Infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation are both forms of non-ionizing radiation, with infrared being commonly associated with heat and ultraviolet having energy levels that can cause damage in certain contexts but without ionization. On the other hand, X-rays and gamma rays are examples of ionizing radiation. They possess higher energy levels that can ionize atoms, making them capable of causing chemical changes and damage to living tissues. X-rays are often used in medical imaging, while gamma rays are emitted from radioactive materials and certain types of nuclear reactions. In this context, the choice indicating gamma rays, which are classified as ionizing radiation, correctly identifies a type that does not belong to the non-ionizing category. Understanding the distinction between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation is crucial for recognizing the implications of exposure to different types of radiation, especially in safety and health contexts.