4 ms·
Is that a correct use of the term 'radioactive'? I thought it referred exclusively to atomic decay. Although energetic particles probably induce radioactivity i
by harshreality 9y ago
Is that a correct use of the term 'radioactive'? I thought it referred exclusively to atomic decay. Although energetic particles probably induce radioactivity in some of the orbiting material when they collide... damage from that secondary radioactivity wouldn't be very much compared to the damage done directly by the high energy particles, would it?
- kobeya 9y agoYou are correct. Radiation != radioactivity. Radioactive things give off radiation. Radiation itself is not radioactive. It's in the name: radioactive = radio-active = radiation (radio!) generating (active).