Radiation Detection Flashcards
The operation goal of the Maritime Radiation Detection Program is to utilize Coast Guard boardings and inspections as a means to ___ and ___ illicit radioactive materials…”
detect and intercept
What device does the Coast Guard use that “… shall be deployed with all Coast Guard Boarding/Inspections teams…” to detect radiation levels?
Personal Radiation Detectors (PRD’s)
What is an atom?
Building blocks of all matter.
Atoms are made of:
- Protons- Positive charge, part of the nucleus
- Neutrons- Neutral charge, part of the nucleus
- Electrons- Negative Charge, orbits the nucleus
What is an isotope?
A different form of the same element, having a different number of neutrons than what is normal.
What are the four types of Ionizing radiation?
Alpha Particles, Beta Particles, X-Rays/Gamma Rays, Neutron Particles
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for Alpha Particles.
Alpha particles have a 1-2in range, internal hazard, shielding is paper, cloth, and skin
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for Beta particles.
Beta particles have a 10ft range, internal and external hazard, shielding is thick clothing, 1/4in aluminum, 1/4in plastic
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for Gamma/X-Rays.
Gamma/X-Rays range is relative to the rate of decay, whole body hazard, shielding is 1in lead, 3in steel, 6in concrete, 9in dirt or water
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for neutrons.
Neutron range is 100ft, whole body hazard, shielding is 10in plastic, 1ft concrete, 3ft dirt or water
Of the four, which two types of radiation is detectable by PRD’s?
Gamma/X-Ray and Neutron
Define Background Radiation.
Ionizing radiation comes from natural and man-made sources, and is always present in the environment. Will be lower over water.
Define Neutron Ship Effect.
An increase in the neutron background generated by cosmic rays near large masses of metal, such as ship hulls.
Can our 5 senses detect any form of radiation?
No.
Define Radioactive Material Contamination and give the three types of contamination.
Radioactive Material in an unwanted place:
- Air- (gas or particle suspension)
- Fixed- (material that cannot be transferred by casual contact)
- Transferable- ( easily moved and/or transferred usually by casual contact