Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Radiation and Irradiation?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Radiation and Irradiation?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between radiation and irradiation lies in their definitions and the processes they describe:

  • Radiation: This is the process where energy is released from a surface in the form of electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles with a high energy ratio. Radiation can be generated by electromagnetic processes and by heat. It does not require a medium to transfer heat and energy, and it is mainly divided into two types: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The total energy inside a body always reduces when it emits radiation.
  • Irradiation: This is the process where radiated energy falls on a certain surface. Irradiation involves the exposure of something to radiation. When radiation interacts with an object, it can affect the properties of the object, such as killing germs in food. The amount of energy inside a body always increases when it is irradiated.

In summary, radiation is the process of emitting energy from a surface, while irradiation is the process of exposing an object to radiation, which can lead to changes in the object's properties.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Radiation and Irradiation?
  • Comparative Table: Radiation vs Irradiation

    • Comparative Table: Radiation vs Irradiation

    The main difference between radiation and irradiation is that radiation refers to the process of emitting energy from a source, while irradiation refers to the process by which an object is exposed to radiation. Here is a table comparing the two:

    Radiation Irradiation
    Emission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles Exposure of an object to radiation
    Can be generated by electromagnetic processes and heat Occurs when radiated energy is incident on a surface
    Energy emission from a body reduces the amount of energy inside the body Energy absorption by a body increases the amount of energy inside the body
    Covers different cases of transferring energy, including electromagnetic radiation and nuclear radiation More specific term, referring to the deliberate exposure of an object to radiation

    In summary, radiation is the process of emitting energy from a source, while irradiation is the process of exposing an object to radiation.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.