What type of radiation is primarily produced by cosmic sources?

Cosmic radiation is classified as natural radiation because it originates from outer space and interacts with the Earth's atmosphere to produce a range of radiation types that reach the ground. Cosmic rays are primarily high-energy particles, and their interaction with the Earth's atmosphere generates secondary particles, including gamma rays and neutrons.

Natural radiation encompasses various sources, including cosmic radiation, terrestrial radiation (from radioactive materials in the earth), and radon gas (a byproduct of uranium decay). Natural radiation is not influenced by human activity, unlike man-made radiation, which comes from sources like X-ray machines and nuclear power plants. Thus, classifying cosmic radiation as a form of natural radiation emphasizes its origins and how it naturally contributes to background radiation levels that we experience on Earth. This understanding is crucial for safety protocols and risk assessment in contexts like dental radiology.