What does the term “radioluminescence” refer to?

The term “radioluminescence” specifically refers to the phenomenon where a substance emits light as a result of being exposed to ionizing radiation. When certain materials, known as phosphors, are irradiated, they can absorb the energy from ionizing radiation and then release that energy in the form of visible light. This process is commonly utilized in various applications such as in radiographic film and certain types of detectors.

The other options describe different interactions with radiation. For instance, absorption of radiation pertains to how materials take in energy from radiation without necessarily emitting visible light. Production of heat due to radiation relates to how materials may convert absorbed radiation into thermal energy rather than light. Scattering of light involves the redirection of light waves within a material, which does not pertain to the emission of light caused by prior exposure to ionizing radiation. Therefore, the focus of radioluminescence on light emission following ionizing radiation exposure makes it a distinct and specific concept in the field of radiation physics.