Radiation Doses and Effects on Human (3.5)

Question 1

Give examples of non ionising radiation

Answer 1

Non ionising radiation includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light and Ultra violent rays

Question 2

What is ionising radiation characterised by?

Answer 2

Radiation with a frequency above 2x10^16 Hz

Question 3

What is defined by absorbed dose

Answer 3

Measure of radiation dose per kilogram of irradiated tissue

Question 4

What is defined by dose equivalent

Answer 4

Measure of the biological damage that a dose of radiation causes. DE = AD x QF measured in seiverts

Question 5

What is the most ionising form of radiation and explain why

Answer 5

Alpha particles. This is due to their low speed, high charge and large mass

Question 6

What is quality factor and list the QF for Neutrons, Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

Answer 6

The weighting of the biological impact of radiation

Question 7

Describe the properties of Gamma radiation and X-rays in terms of ionisation energy

Answer 7

Gamma radiation and X rays have low ionising powers. they have no charge and move at the speed of light thus they don’t interact with atoms

Question 8

What is a TLD (Thermoluminescent Dosimeter) and briefly describe how it works

Answer 8

Used in professions dealing with radiation, it measures radiation doses using lithium fluoride which can detect radiation (beta and gamma) and neutrons

Question 9

Describe the immediate and long term effects of radiation on humans

Answer 9

Short term - Drop in white blood cell count, nausea, fatigue, hair loss and skin reddening

Long term - Radiation has the potential to cause DNA damage affecting future generations and can cause cell to become cancerous