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

Ultraviolet light is not considered a type of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is defined as radiation that carries enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules by detaching electrons from them. This type of radiation includes high-energy particles like alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons and have a relatively low penetration ability but are highly ionizing. Beta particles are fast-moving electrons or positrons that can penetrate materials more than alpha particles, causing ionization as they pass through matter. Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that have a very high penetrating ability and can ionize atoms as they interact with them.

In contrast, ultraviolet light, while it possesses enough energy to cause some biological effects like sunburn, does not have sufficient energy to ionize atoms consistently. Thus, it is classified as non-ionizing radiation, which distinguishes it from the types mentioned above. Recognizing the differences between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation is essential for understanding radiation safety and biological effects.