Will exposure to radiation make a person radioactive?

Exposure to radiation does not make a person radioactive. Radioactivity refers to the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation, resulting in particles or electromagnetic waves. When a person is exposed to external radiation, such as from a nuclear gauge, they can absorb some energy, but this does not change their atomic structure to the point of becoming radioactive themselves.

In contrast, a radioactive material emits radiation due to its unstable isotopes. If a person were to come into contact with a radioactive source, they could potentially become contaminated, which involves radioactive material adhering to their body or clothing. However, this is different from becoming radioactive as a direct result of exposure to radiation.

Factors affecting whether or not a person could encounter radioactive materials vary greatly, including the type of radiation, the source, and protective measures taken. Nonetheless, the essence is that exposure to radiation alone does not create radioactivity in a person's body.