What is a common characteristic of ionizing radiation?

Ionizing radiation is defined by its ability to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which leads to the alteration of chemical compounds. This process occurs because ionizing radiation carries enough energy to affect the structure of atoms and disrupt molecular bonds, resulting in the formation of ions and free radicals. This characteristic is significant in various applications, particularly in medical imaging and treatments, where changes in tissue at the molecular level can be both beneficial (in the case of imaging) and harmful (leading to potential biological damage).

The other options do not accurately describe ionizing radiation. Heating surfaces can occur as a result of non-ionizing radiation, but it is not a defining characteristic of ionizing radiation. The production of sounds is not a typical feature of ionizing radiation, as sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium to travel through and is not generated by the radiation itself. Lastly, while some forms of radiation might be detected visually (like visible light), ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, is typically not visible to the human eye, making the statement that it is always visible incorrect. Therefore, the ability of ionizing radiation to alter chemical compounds stands out as its key distinguishing feature.