What does the process of scintillation create?

The process of scintillation refers to the phenomenon where certain materials emit light when they are exposed to ionizing radiation. This occurs when the radiation interacts with the atoms of the scintillating material, causing them to become excited. When these excited atoms return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of photons—typically in the visible light range. This is why the correct answer is visible light.

Materials used in scintillation detectors, like certain crystals or organic compounds, are specifically chosen for their ability to efficiently convert energy from ionizing radiation into visible light. This emitted light can then be detected and measured, enabling the identification and quantification of radiation levels.

While some scintillation processes may involve emissions in other wavelengths, such as ultraviolet or infrared light, the primary output in many common scintillation materials is visible light, making it the correct answer here.