Are proton beams created in particle accelerators a form of nuclear radiation?

Question

As the title suggests, please help I couldn’t find a definitive answer on this.

In: 8

Answer 1

So, you know that everything is made up of tiny, tiny things called atoms, right? Well, those atoms are made up of even tinier things called protons, neutrons, and electrons.

When we talk about nuclear radiation, we mean energy that comes from the nucleus of an atom. And protons are part of the nucleus, so they can give off nuclear radiation.

Now, in a particle accelerator, scientists use a lot of energy to speed up protons really, really fast. When those fast-moving protons hit a target, they can release a lot of energy in the form of radiation.

So, to answer your question, yes, the proton beams created in particle accelerators can be a form of nuclear radiation!