2.6 Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter

There are different mechanisms of interaction of radiation with the matter. If the radiation is strong enough as to displace an electron from an atom when travelling through the matter the removal of the electron causes the atom to become an Ion. This process is known as Ionization and is represented in the figure below.

In the case of beta radiation, while breaking through matter beta particles can generate electromagnetic radiation (Bremsstrahlung).

Positrons passing through matter can also combine with electrons, and generate two annihilation gamma quanta (511 keV each).

As ionization implies certain deposition of energy in the matter, such process can lead to a direct impact in health due to damage of cells.