, more commonly referred to as electromagnetic radiation , consists of energy waves rather than physical particles. Unlike particulate radiation (such as alpha or beta particles, which have mass), nonparticulate radiation is composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel at the speed of light. Key Characteristics
Highly penetrating radiation often used in cancer treatment or emitted during radioactive decay. nonparticulate radiation
High-energy waves that can strip electrons from atoms, potentially causing DNA damage. , more commonly referred to as electromagnetic radiation