Lecture 8. Radiation Sources

Question 1

What are the 3 natural (background) sources of radiation?

Answer 1

1. Cosmic radiation
2. Terrestrial radiation
3. Internal radiation

Question 2

What are the main components of cosmic radiation?

Answer 2

Protons, Photons, and Helium ions

Question 3

What is the most harmful cosmic radiation to humans?

Answer 3

UV radiation

Question 4

What is the second leading cause of lung cancer?

Answer 4

Radon

Question 5

What is the main source of internal irradiation?

Answer 5

Potassium-40

Question 6

Name some radiation sources found in medicine

Answer 6

1. CT Simulator
2. Orthovoltage treatment unit
3. Linear accelerators
4. Cobalt-60 therapy unit
5. Brachytherapy
6. Nuclear medicine
7. Iodine-131

Question 7

List some radiation sources used in consumer products

Answer 7

1. Smoke detectors (Am-241)
2. Watches and clocks (H-3, Pr-147)
3. Ceramics (uranium and thorium)
4. Glass (K-40, Th-232)
5. Food (K-40, Ra-226)