What type of radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms?

Ionising radiation possesses enough energy to dislodge tightly bound electrons from atoms, thereby creating ions. This process occurs when the energy of the radiation is sufficient to overcome the binding energy of the electrons in their respective atomic orbits. This capability of ionising radiation is critical in various applications, including medical imaging and cancer treatments, as it can affect biological tissues and potentially lead to molecular changes.

Understanding the distinctions between the types of radiation is essential. Non-ionising radiation, for example, does not carry sufficient energy to ionise atoms; it can, however, excite electrons to a higher energy state without removing them from the atom. Electromagnetic radiation encompasses a wide range of energy types, including both ionising and non-ionising radiation. Ultraviolet radiation falls under the category of electromagnetic radiation, and while certain UV wavelengths can be ionising, not all UV radiation has enough energy to do so.