Radio Activity

Question 1

How can radiation be used to detect leaks

Answer 1

Add a radioactive isotope to water (has short half life so decays quickly)
Then the radioactivity can be traced
Where the radioactive isotope reaches the ground. That’s wear the leak is

Question 2

How can radiation be used to kill microorganisms

Answer 2

In places where bacteria would be killed by heat. (A hospital)
But specific things cannot be heated (plastic syringe)
Gamma rays can be used for sterilisation

Question 3

What is the use of radiation for checking thickness

Answer 3

When paper is being made a detector counts the rate at which beta particles travel through the paper to detect thickness

Question 4

How is radiation used in smoke alarms

Answer 4

Contains alpha particles
The detector has an electrical circuit with an air gap between 2 electrically charged plates that contain americium.
The americium releases alpha particles, when the particles are flowing the alarm doesn’t sound
Smoke will fill up the air gap, blocking the current, sounding the alarm

Question 5

What are the dangers of radiation in nuclear accidents

Answer 5

Radioactive material can escape causing hazards such as people being contaminated
When contaminated the radioactive isotopes stay in their body until all the isotopes decay
Water and soil can also be contaminated

Question 6

What is the safety when radiation is used in hospital

Answer 6

• limited exposure
• increasing distance from source
• only used if pros outweigh the cons
  -minimum possible dose is used
  -doses have short half lives

Question 7

What precautions are in place when handling radioactive isotopes

Answer 7

-handled with tongs
-stored in a lead container