P6.2 Uses And Hazards Flashcards
Radioactive contamination
Presence of unwanted radioactive nuclei on other materials
Irradiation
Process of exposing a material to nuclear radiation
Material does not become radioactive
3 practical applications of radioactive materials
Medical tracers
Radiotherapy
Smoke alarms
What kind of radiation is used in smoke detectors
Alpha radiation
How do smoke alarms work
Alpha radiation is emitted into the air, reaching a detector and completing the circuit
If smoke is present, it blocks alpha radiation so it does not reach the detector and the circuit is broken, causing the alarm to sound
Give a use of beta emitters
Thickness monitoring of paper
How does thickness monitoring work
A source and receiver are placed on either side of the sheet
If there is a drop or rise in the number of particles detected, the thickness has changed and needs adjusting
Why are isotopes with long half-lives particularly harmful
They remain radioactive for much longer periods of time
They must be stored in specific ways to avoid humans and the environment from being exposed to radiation for too long
2 uses of nuclear radiation in the field of medicine
Examining of internal organs
Controlling and destroying unwanted tissue
How is radiation used in sterilisation
Gamma emitters are used to kill bacteria/parasites on equipment
What kind of radiation is used for radiotherapy
Gamma radiation
Explain the process of chemotherapy
Gamma emitters direct gamma rays onto specific areas with cancerous cells
The cells absorb the radiation and die
What are the risks of ionising radiation to people
It can damage living cells, causing them to die or mutate and become cancerous
What is nuclear fusion
Joining of two light nuclei to produce a heavier nuclei and release energy
Name two isotopes of hydrogen which are commonly used in nuclear fusion
Deuterium and Tritium
