What does the term "irradiate" refer to?

The term "irradiate" specifically refers to the process of exposing an object or substance to radiation. This can encompass various forms of radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation (including visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays) or particle radiation (like alpha and beta particles). In scientific contexts, irradiating a material can affect its properties or behavior, and it is commonly used in fields such as medicine, food preservation, and sterilization processes.

While the other options mention actions related to temperature control or isolation, they don’t accurately capture the meaning of "irradiate." Understanding the correct application of this term is essential for contexts where the effects of radiation exposure must be considered, such as in radiology or food technology.