| Ray is electromagnetic wave that can also be considered as particles. High-energy electromagnetic wave or particles such as X-ray, gamma ray, alpha particle, and beta particle can kick electrons out of their orbits around the nucleus of the target atom (ionizing), while the low-energy wave such as visible light, microwave, and radiofrequency pulse (used in MRI scanner) cannot. We can see that ionizing high-energy electromagnetic waves have been using in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology for a very long time. Recently, the non-ionizing low-energy wave has been used in modern diagnostic radiology in MRI scanners. |
