RADIATION BIOLOGY

TERMS RELATING TO RADIATION BIOLOGY

a. Ionization. The gain or loss of electrons from an electrically neutral atomic or molecular configuration caused by radiation. There are other ways whereby electrons may be gained or lost, but we are most concerned with changes brought about by radiation.

b. Element. A simple substance that cannot be broken down by chemical means. An example of an element is oxygen.

c. Atom. The smallest unit of an element that still retains the properties of that element.

d. Compound. A complex substance formed by a chemical union of two or more elements. An example of a compound is water or H2O.

e. Molecule. The smallest unit of a compound.