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nuclear-boy
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hi,
does radiation have an effect on plants?
thanks in advance, alf
does radiation have an effect on plants?
thanks in advance, alf
rod_worth said:The proper answer to this question depends on the energy of the radiation we are discussing. Yes, gamma (high frequency) radiation will harm it just as gamma's will harm us; the degree of harm a plant will experience as compared to a person I do not know.
I point out the energy of the radiation because if we are talking about lower energy (lower frequency) radiation in comparison to gamma, then the plant will undergo photosynthesis which is vital to it staying alive.
The answer to your question nuclear-boy, requires a yes/no type answer, and in both scenarios I have just provided, and any other way you want to look at the question ('does radiation affect plants?'), all answers are "yes".
QuantumPion said:Hmm that is an interesting point. I wonder what the cutoff energy for photosynthesis is.
jarvik said:Plants use light between 400-700 nm wavelength (or 1.7-3 eV), i.e. the same energy level that we see with our eyes. Gamma radiation is way shorter in wavelength (more energetic) with energies of keV to MeV.
Radiation is a form of energy that is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles. It can occur naturally, such as from the sun or radioactive materials, or it can be man-made, such as from X-rays or nuclear power plants.
Exposure to radiation can have various effects on plants, depending on the dose and duration of exposure. It can cause changes in plant growth, reproduction, and metabolism. High doses of radiation can also lead to cell damage and death.
The most harmful types of radiation for plants are usually ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage DNA and impair photosynthesis.
In small doses, radiation exposure can actually have some beneficial effects on plants. For example, low levels of radiation can stimulate plant growth and enhance seed germination. However, higher doses can be harmful and even lethal to plants.
Yes, there are several safety measures that can be taken to protect plants from radiation. These include shielding plants from direct exposure, limiting the duration of exposure, and implementing decontamination procedures in case of accidental exposure.