What type of radiation is primarily emitted by radioactive materials?

Radioactive materials primarily emit ionizing radiation, which includes alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions in the process. This ability to ionize atoms is what makes ionizing radiation particularly hazardous to biological tissues, leading to potential damage at the cellular level.

Additionally, ionizing radiation is distinct from non-ionizing radiation, which does not possess enough energy to ionize atoms and typically includes forms of radiation such as visible light, radio waves, and microwaves. Understanding this distinction is critical in the field of radiation safety, as the effects and safety measures required for dealing with ionizing radiation differ significantly from those applicable to non-ionizing radiation.

The term "theoretical radiation" does not refer to a specific type of radiation emitted by radioactive materials, making it irrelevant in this context. While electromagnetic radiation, which includes gamma rays, is a form of ionizing radiation, it does not encompass all types of radiation emitted by radioactive materials, hence not being the best choice. Therefore, recognizing that ionizing radiation is the correct classification provides a clear understanding of the nature and risks associated with radioactive materials.