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Radiation

Radiation is invisible energy that moves around like super-fast waves or tiny packets of energy. It’s kind of like when you feel the heat from a campfire, even if you’re not touching the fire.

Where did the word come from?

The word “radiation” has its roots in an old language called Latin. The Latin word “radius” meant “ray” (like a ray of sunshine). So, radiation is basically energy that travels in rays.

Examples of radiation:

  • The sun: Sunlight is a type of radiation, it gives us light and warmth!
  • X-ray machines: Doctors use a special kind of radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body.
  • Cell Phones and Microwaves: They use low levels of radiation which is why we need to use them safely.
  • Outer Space: There are special kinds of radiation floating around in space.

Interesting facts:

  • Some radiation is safe, and some is harmful – the kind and the amount matter.