Interactions of radiation with matter

Interactions of radiation and matter involve specific processes whereby a particle or ray's energy is transferred to the molecules, atoms, or atomic components of matter. These represent energy absorption processes with matter being the absorber. The discussion in this chapter focuses on processes which are important for radiation detection and radiological health considerations. For each particle discussed (α particles; negatrons; positrons; γ-, rays; x-rays), properties and processes are presented. A 10-problem set concludes the chapter. 2 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs