Which type of radiation is characterized as being low in energy and does not break down and emit ions?

The correct answer, non-ionizing radiation, is characterized by its lower energy levels, which do not have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms or molecules. This means that non-ionizing radiation does not have the ability to ionize atoms, making it a safer form of radiation in terms of its potential to cause biological damage at typical exposure levels.

Non-ionizing radiation includes types such as visible light, microwaves, and radio waves, all of which are commonly encountered in daily life. Because it doesn't break down and emit ions, it is considered less harmful relative to ionizing radiation, which includes ultraviolet (UV) rays, X-rays, and gamma rays that possess higher energy levels and can indeed cause ionization of atoms, potentially leading to health risks like cancer with excessive exposure.

In contrast to non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation is damaging to biological tissues because it can disrupt atomic structures and lead to adverse health effects. X-ray radiation, a subtype of ionizing radiation, is specifically used in medical imaging but carries a risk due to its ability to ionize and damage DNA. Alpha radiation, another form of ionizing radiation, consists of charged particles that are also capable of causing significant biological harm upon entry into the body.

Thus