P7.9 - Nuclear Isssues (Finishedish)

Question 1

What is background radiation?

Answer 1

Background radiation is the low-level radiation around you all the time

Question 2

Where does background radiation come from?

Answer 2

Background radiation comes from:

• Radioactivity of naturally occurring unstable isotopes in the air, food, building materials, rocks etc
• Radiation from space (cosmic rays) particularly from the sun
• Radiation due to human activity, nuclear weapons tests, nuclear waste

Question 3

What does radiation dose tell you?

Answer 3

Radiation dose is a measure of the risk of harm to body tissues due to exposure to radiation, not the amount of radiation

Question 4

What is radiation dose measured in?

Answer 4

Radiation dose is measured in Sieverts Sv, but as this is big, milisieverts mSv are often used

Question 5

What is 1 Sv in millisieverts?

Answer 5

1000 mSv

Question 6

What do new third-generation nuclear reactors have?

Answer 6

• A standard design to reduce cost and construction time
• A longer operating life (60 yes)
• More safety features
• Much lower effect on environment