What is a major source of natural background radiation?

What is a major source of natural background radiation?

• A. Medical X-rays
• B. Cosmic rays from space
• C. Nuclear power plants
• D. Industrial emissions

Answer: (B)

Cosmic rays from space are indeed a major source of natural background radiation. These rays originate from high-energy particles that travel through space and collide with molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, producing secondary particles that reach the surface. Because these cosmic rays are always present in the environment and penetrate the atmosphere, they contribute significantly to the overall radiation exposure individuals receive over time, regardless of location. In contrast to cosmic rays, medical X-rays, nuclear power plants, and industrial emissions primarily contribute to artificial sources of radiation exposure. Medical X-rays are man-made and are associated only with specific medical procedures. Nuclear power plants produce radioactive materials as part of the energy generation process but are not considered background radiation since they typically release radiation at controlled levels. Industrial emissions can also contribute to man-made radiation but are not a consistent and pervasive element of the natural background radiation that affects everyone.

Cosmic rays from space are indeed a major source of natural background radiation. These rays originate from high-energy particles that travel through space and collide with molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, producing secondary particles that reach the surface. Because these cosmic rays are always present in the environment and penetrate the atmosphere, they contribute significantly to the overall radiation exposure individuals receive over time, regardless of location.

In contrast to cosmic rays, medical X-rays, nuclear power plants, and industrial emissions primarily contribute to artificial sources of radiation exposure. Medical X-rays are man-made and are associated only with specific medical procedures. Nuclear power plants produce radioactive materials as part of the energy generation process but are not considered background radiation since they typically release radiation at controlled levels. Industrial emissions can also contribute to man-made radiation but are not a consistent and pervasive element of the natural background radiation that affects everyone.