Alpha, beta, neutron, and gamma ray photon are classifications of which type of radiation?

Alpha, beta, neutron, and gamma ray photon are all forms of ionizing radiation. This classification is based on the ability of these types of radiation to ionize atoms, meaning they have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions.

Alpha particles are heavy and positively charged, beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons, neutrons are neutral particles that can displace other nuclei, and gamma rays are high-energy photons. All of these particles and photons carry sufficient energy to disrupt atomic structures, which can lead to chemical reactions and biological effects.

In contrast, non-ionizing radiation, such as visible light or infrared radiation, lacks the energy necessary to ionize atoms, while thermal radiation is related to the temperature of objects and does not have the same potential for atomic disruption. Thus, the correct classification of alpha, beta, neutron, and gamma ray photon is ionizing radiation.