Commonly encountered types of ionizing radiation are:

Beta particles are indeed a commonly encountered type of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation refers to any type of radiation that carries enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionizing them. Beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive decay, fit this definition perfectly.

In contrast, microwaves and infrared radiation fall into the category of non-ionizing radiation. While they can carry energy sufficient to cause molecular vibrations and heating effects, they do not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules. Omega particles, on the other hand, do not exist in the context of recognized ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, making them an unrecognized type in this framework.

Understanding the differences among these types of radiation is crucial for safety protocols and emergency responses in environments where hazardous materials may present ionization risks.