What type of radiation do lasers emit?

Lasers emit electromagnetic radiation, which is the correct answer. To understand this further, it's important to note that lasers produce light through a process called stimulated emission of radiation. In this process, atoms or molecules are excited to a higher energy state and then release energy as they return to a lower energy state. This released energy takes the form of photons, which are the elementary particles of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation encompasses a broad spectrum, including visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, and even microwaves and radio waves. The key characteristic of electromagnetic radiation is that it travels at the speed of light and consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

Other types of radiation, such as ionizing radiation, involve particles that can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to potential damage at the atomic level. Mechanical radiation would pertain to wave phenomena in a medium, which is distinct from the light produced by lasers. Thus, understanding the nature of laser emissions as electromagnetic radiation is crucial for recognizing its applications and safety considerations in various fields.