What type of radiation is primarily responsible for the ionization of atoms during X-ray procedures?

The primary type of radiation responsible for the ionization of atoms during X-ray procedures is electromagnetic radiation. This category includes X-rays, which are high-energy photons capable of displacing electrons from atoms, leading to ionization. The process of ionization can damage biological cells, which is why it's critical to manage radiation exposure during X-ray examinations.

Electromagnetic radiation, which encompasses a spectrum of energy from radio waves to gamma rays, includes X-rays in the higher-energy part of the spectrum. These high-energy photons have enough energy to interrupt atomic structures, which is essential for the imaging process in radiography.

In contrast, sound radiation, thermal radiation, and acoustic radiation operate on entirely different principles and do not cause ionization in the same way. Sound radiation pertains to mechanical waves that travel through mediums, thermal radiation relates to heat transfer typically in the form of infrared radiation, and acoustic radiation refers to waves of pressure that propagate through materials. None of these types have the capability to ionize atoms like X-rays do.