Which statement is true about ionizing radiation in relation to electron removal?

• A. It cannot remove electrons from atoms
• B. It can remove electrons from atoms
• C. It only occurs in visible light
• D. It is not energetic

Answer: (B)

Ionizing radiation is defined by its ability to eject electrons from atoms, turning neutral atoms into ions. This happens when the radiation carries enough energy to overcome the electrons’ binding energy. Because of that, it can remove electrons from atoms, which is why the true statement is that ionizing radiation can remove electrons. Visible light generally isn’t energetic enough to ionize most atoms, and ionizing radiation is indeed energetic. The other ideas—that it cannot remove electrons, or that it only occurs in visible light, or that it is not energetic—don’t fit the concept.