Nuclear Radaition Flashcards
Three types of nuclear radiation.
Alpha, Beta, Gamma
Another name for Alpha radiation.
Helium Nucleus, or 2 neutrons and 2 protons
Another name for Beta radiation.
Fast moving electron
Another name for Gamma radiation.
High energy electromagnetic radiation
Increasing shielding has what effect on the dose?
Reduces the dose
Increasing the distance between the radioactive sample and the person has what effect on the dose?
Reduces the dose
Increasing the time exposed has what effect on the dose?
Increases the dose
Ionisation is…
the gain or loss of an electron from an atom
Arrange Alpha, Beta and Gamma in order of mass.
From largest to smallest: Alpha, Beta, Gamma
The charge on an Alpha particle is
Positive
The charge on a Beta particle is
Negative
The charge on Gamma radiation is
No Charge
The name given to the radiation that everyone is exposed to every day.
Background Radiation
When measuring the count rate of a sample the background radiation must be removed. What is left is called the…
corrected count rate
Activity
The number of decays that occur each second
Natural Sources of background radiation
Cosmic Rays, Radon Gas, Radioactive Rocks
Man-made sources of background radiation
Nuclear Power Stations, Atomic Weapons Testing, Nuclear Medicine
Arrange Alpha, Beta and Gamma in order of ionisation ability, from largest to smallest.
Alpha, Beta, Gamma
Distance travelled in air by Alpha
up to 10 cm
Distance travelled in air by Beta
up to 1 m
Distance travelled in air by Gamma
up to 1 km
Thinnest material Alpha is absorbed by
paper
Thinnest material Beta is absorbed by
3 mm aluminium
Thinnest material Gamma is absorbed by
10 cm lead
Name 3 detectors of Nuclear Radiation
Geiger Muller Tube and Counter, Photographic Film, Scintillation Counter
State 3 safety procedures that should always be followed when working with Nuclear Radaition
1) Never use bare hands to hold a source
2) Never bring the source close to your eyes
3) Store source in shielded box when not in use
What is meant by Half Life?
The time for the activity to fall to half of its original value.
Symbol and unit for Absorbed Dose
D (Gy)
Symbol and unit for Equivalent Dose
H (Sv)
Symbol and unit for Equivalent Dose Rate
H “dot” (Sv/s), (Sv/minute), (Sv/h)
Radiation Weighting Factor
A measure of the biological harm from the type of radiation.
How are radioactive sources used in medicine for diagnosis?
Radioactive source is injected into/swallowed by the the patient and the radiation produced is monitored from outside the body.
How are radioactive sources used in medicine for treatment?
A high dose of radiation is used to kill cancerous cells.
Which type of radiation is most suitable for use in medical diagnosis?
Gamma (as it can penetrate the skin)
State 3 uses of nuclear radiation in industry.
Tracers, Sterilisation, Smoke Detectors
State 2 advantages of Nuclear Fission
1) unlike fossil fuels, it does not produce greenhouse gases
2) smaller mass of fuel needed compared to coil or oil power stations
State 2 disadvantages of Nuclear Fission
1) Radioactive waste is produced
2) Risk of a serious accident
Describe a Nuclear Fission reaction
A nuclei of larger mass splits into 2 or more nuclei of smaller mass releasing energy.
Describe a Chain Reaction
A nuclear fission reaction releases several neutrons, which can each go on to cause further nuclear fission reactions.
What is the role of the control rods in a nuclear reactor?
Absorb neutrons
What is the role of the moderator in a nuclear reactor?
Slow down fast neutrons
What is the role of the fuel rods in a nuclear reactor?
Contain the nuclei that undergo fission.
What is the role of the cooling system in a nuclear reactor?
Transfers heat to the boiler
What is the role of the containment vessel in a nuclear reactor?
Absorbs neutrons and radiation
Describe a Nuclear Fusion reaction
Two smaller nuclei combine to produce a larger nucleus and release energy.
State 2 advantages of Nuclear Fusion
1) More energy released for each kilo of fuel used
2) Less radioactive waste
Use the words Tokamak, Plasma and Magnetic Fields to describe how Nuclear Fusion can be controlled.
A tokamak uses magnetic fields to contain a high temperature plasma where nuclear fusion can take place.
