Nuclear Radiations Flashcards
Radioactivity involves a change in the…
Structure of the radioactive atom and a release of
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
What can nuclear radiation cause
What does this produce
Ionisation
Ionisation produces negatively and positively charged ions when atoms lose or gain electrons
What will ionisation do to cells and bonds
Damage cells
Break intermolecular bonds
What can alpha be used for and how will it work
SMOKE DETECTORS
Alpha particles cause ionisation of air particles
Positive and negative ions form and are attracted to oppositely charged electrodes in the detector =current flowing in circuit
Smoke enters the space between two electrodes, less ionisation.Alpha particles absorbed by smoke particles, smaller current=ALARM
What can beta be used for and how will it work
TRACERS
Small amount of the radioactive substance put into system and tracked by radiation detector. This sees system is working properly
PAPER THICKNESS GAUGE
Beta absorbed by paper. If too much is absorbed signals make rollers move closer to reduce the thickness
Can also detect tumours
What can gamma be used for how will it work
TREATING CANCER
Aim high dose at the tumour from many angles, avoiding healthy cells
CLEANING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
kills microorganisms without heat minimises damage
WELD TESTS
Gamma source on one side and any defects are detected using detector on other side as gamma rays pass through
What is used to detect radiation penetration
How does this work
Geiger counter
Radioactive source is DECAYING
Geiger counter picks up these particles
What is alpha radiation ionising power
What will absorb alpha
Strong ionising power
Absorbed by thin paper
What is beta radiation ionising power
What will absorb beta
Reasonable ionising
Absorbed by thin aluminium
What is gamma radiation ionising power
What will absorb gamma
Poor ionising
Thick lead absorbs MOST of it
What are some cautions to take when handling radioactive material
Wear protective clothing
Use tongs
Minimal exposure
Clear storing of materials to aware others
Positive and negatives of nuclear power
No polluting gases
Uranium fuel rods are non renewable
Waste is radioactive and must be treated and stored for many years
How is low level and high level radioactive waste dealt with
Low level waste is sealed and buried in landfill sites
High level waste is mixed with sugar,
bonded with glass,
poured into a steel cylinder and kept underground
Nuclear radiation ionises materials
What is meant by this
Produces charged particles
Explain ionisation and electron charge
When an atom is ionised it gains or loses elecrons
Gains electrons-negatively charged
Loses electrons-positively charged
