What is nuclear radiation?

Nuclear radiation refers specifically to the energy and particles that are emitted by the atomic nuclei of radioactive substances. This includes alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. These emissions occur as unstable isotopes seek stability, often through the process of radioactive decay.

Understanding nuclear radiation is critical in fields like ecology, particularly in studying the impact of radioactive materials on living organisms and ecosystems. In contrast, the other options involve different concepts not directly related to the emissions from atomic nuclei. For example, sound waves are related to auditory phenomena and not nuclear processes, while heat generated during nuclear reactions pertains to thermal energy rather than radiation itself. Light produced by radioactive substances is more about luminescence rather than the radiation emitted by nuclear reactions. Thus, option B accurately captures the definition of nuclear radiation.