Hazards and Uses of Radiation - Paper 1

Question 1

Explain background radiation

Answer 1

Background radiation is around us all of the time. Natural sources include rocks and cosmic rays from space. Man-made sources include the fallout from nuclear weapons testing and nuclear accidents. The level of background radiation and radiation dose may be affected by occupation/location.

Question 2

How is nuclear radiation used in medicine?

Answer 2

For the exploration of internal organs and control/destruction of unwanted tissue.