Electron beam welding produces X-ray radiation which is more powerful than UV light.

• A. Microwave
• B. Gamma
• C. Infrared
• D. X-ray

Answer: (D)

Fast-moving electrons used in electron beam welding emit high-energy photons when they slow down as they interact with the workpiece. This energy release falls in the X-ray region of the spectrum, which means the radiation produced is more energetic than ultraviolet light. Microwaves and infrared are lower-energy forms of radiation and aren’t produced in this deceleration process in welding, while gamma radiation comes from nuclear processes—not the electron slowing that occurs here. So the radiation you get from electron beam welding is X-ray. Because X-rays are penetrating and ionizing, shielding and safety controls are essential.