Radiation

Question 1

What is irradiation

Answer 1

When a object is exposed to a beam of radiation

Question 2

Name 2 uses of irradiation

Answer 2

Sterilising medical equipment
beams of gamma rays can kill cancerous tumours

Question 3

Name 2 disadvantages of irradiation

Answer 3

Can be very harmful
May not kill all bacteria

Question 4

Name 2 advantages of irradiation

Answer 4

Sterilisation can be done without high temperature
Can kill bacteria on things that would melt

Question 5

What is contamination

Answer 5

If an object has radioactive material introduced into it

Question 6

Name a use of contamination

Answer 6

Tracers for medical imaging

Question 7

How are medical tracers chosen

Answer 7

Short half-lives
Not poisonous

Question 8

Name 2 advantages of contamination

Answer 8

Used as tracers
Can replace invasive procedures

Question 9

Name 2 disadvantages of contamination

Answer 9

Isotopes may not go where wanted
Could potentially harm healthy cells

Question 10

Name 2 differences of irradiation and contamination

Answer 10

Contamination cannot be blocked once introduced and can cause the object to become radioactive, for as long as the object has the radioactive source within it.

Question 11

What are human risks of being exposed to radiation

Answer 11

Thyroid Cancer
Cataracts
Skin Cancer
Leukaemia

Question 12

Name precautions to these

Answer 12

Protective Clothing
Keep radioactive sources shielded
Limit exposure time
Avoid bare contact

Question 13

What is background radiation

Answer 13

Radiation that occurs naturally

Question 14

Name 3 examples of background radiation

Answer 14

Cosmic Rays
Food
Buildings/Ground