What type of radiation can ignite fuels and explosives?

The correct answer is based on the characteristics of different types of radiation and their interactions with materials. Non-ionising radiation, such as infrared radiation and microwave radiation, can generate heat and induce molecular vibrations in certain substances. This heating effect can lead to the ignition of flammable materials and explosives when the energy absorbed exceeds the ignition temperature of the material.

Specifically, non-ionising radiation includes infrared and microwaves, which can produce sufficient thermal energy to ignite fuels under the right conditions. This capability is particularly important in various applications, including cooking and industrial processes, where non-ionising radiation is actively utilized to generate heat.

Ionising radiation, on the other hand, involves high-energy photons or particles that can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to ionization. While ionising radiation can cause chemical reactions and has effects on biological tissues, it does not primarily function through the same heating mechanisms as non-ionising radiation.

Thus, non-ionising radiation is the primary type that can ignite fuels and explosives through heat generation, making it the correct answer to the question.