SWINA Laser Practice Test 2025 - Free Laser Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Nonionizing radiation is characterized by wavelengths that are longer than those of ionizing radiation, which means it lacks enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms or molecules. This type of radiation includes microwaves and infrared light, which are commonly encountered in everyday life. Nonionizing radiation is generally associated with thermal effects rather than chemical changes.

Microwaves, for example, are used in microwave ovens to heat food by causing water molecules to vibrate. Infrared light is the heat we feel from the sun or heat lamps, and it plays a crucial role in various applications, including heating and communication technologies. Understanding this distinction is important in fields such as safety standards and health assessments regarding exposure to different types of radiation.