Radiation and the body

Question 1

irradiation

Answer 1

being exposed to a radioactive source

Question 2

contamination

Answer 2

when something radioactive gets into a place we don’t want it

Question 3

what are some uses of alpha penetration?

Answer 3

-smoke detector
-long life batteries in hard to reach places e.g. ocean floor

Question 4

what are some medical uses of alpha penetration?

Answer 4

-radiotherapy

Question 5

what are some uses of beta penetration?

Answer 5

-paper factory

Question 6

what are some medical uses of beta penetration?

Answer 6

-medical tracers

Question 7

what are some uses of gamma penetration?

Answer 7

-detecting cracks in pipes

Question 8

what are some medical uses of gamma penetration?

Answer 8

-sterilisation
-medical tracers
-cancer treatment (radiotherapy)

Question 9

Describe how a scientist can safely determine which source emits alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation

Answer 9

-put thin paper between Geiger counter and radioactive source, if the counter drops then the source gives off alpha, if it’s the same it’s not alpha
-put thin layer of aluminium between Geiger counter and radioactive source, if the counter drops then the source gives of beta, if it’s the same it’s not beta
-put lead between radioactive source and Geiger counter, if the counter drops then t’s gamma, if it stays the same it’s not gamma

Question 10

explain where the beta particles come from in beta decay

Answer 10

a neutron decays into a proton and an electron and the electron is emitted as a beta particle

Question 12

explain what happens when an electron returns to it’s ground (unexcited) state

Answer 12

emits a photon of exactly the same energy as the one absorbed

Question 12

give two precautions that medical workers take to minimise the exposure to ionising radiation

Answer 12

-increase distance between source
-wear a lead apron