Beta-particle electrons, with velocity higher than light speed in water, emit blue light {Cerenkov radiation}| {blue glow} as shock waves when they enter water. Water surrounding nuclear-reactor cores, which emit high-velocity electrons, has blue glow.
process
Electrons traveling in water use some energy to polarize water molecules along travel direction. After electrons pass, polarized water molecules emit light. If electrons travel slower than light speed in water, emitted radiation appears low, because electromagnetic waves emitted by molecules along path are random and destructively interfere. If electrons travel faster than light speed in water, emitted radiation appears high because electromagnetic waves emitted by molecules along path are shock waves that constructively interfere.
Physical Sciences>Physics>Wave>Electromagnetic>Frequency>Radiation Types
5-Physics-Wave-Electromagnetic-Frequency-Radiation Types
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Date Modified: 2022.0224