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

Infrared radiation is the correct choice as it is not a type of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is defined as radiation that has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to ionization. This type of radiation includes alpha particles, beta particles, and X-rays, all of which can have significant biological effects due to their ability to disrupt atomic structures and cause cellular damage.

Alpha particles are heavy, positively charged particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons. They are a form of ionizing radiation that can affect biological systems if substances emitting these particles are ingested or inhaled.

Beta particles are fast-moving electrons or positrons and also represent a form of ionizing radiation. They have the ability to penetrate biological tissues and can lead to cellular damage when they interact with matter.

X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that can also cause ionization in tissues, which is why they are useful in medical imaging but also have the potential for harmful effects if exposure is excessive.

On the other hand, infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum with longer wavelengths than visible light. It does not have sufficient energy to ionize atoms and primarily interacts with matter by causing vibrations and rotations of molecular bonds, which is associated with thermal effects rather than