RADIOACTIVITY Flashcards
What is nuclear decay
Nuclear decay is a random process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses it’s energy by emission of electromagnetic radiation or particles
What are the properties of the radiation emitted by a radioactive (unstable) nucleus
The radiation emitted by a radioactive nucleus is spontaneous and random in direction and time between emissions
What is ionising radiation
Ionising radiation is radiation with high energies that can knock off electrons from atoms to form ions
-high frequency waves like UV, X-ray, & Gamma rays are ionising electromagnetic radiation
What is background radiation
Background radiation is nuclear radiation in an environment where no radioactive source has been deliberately introduced
What is half life
The half-life of a radioactive nuclide is the time taken for half the nuclei of that nuclide in any sample to decay
Uses of gamma rays
Detection of tumours (short half life)
Destruction of tumours (long half life)
Destroy microbes to sterilise medical equipment
Destroy microbes to make food last longer or be safe to eat
Measuring thickness of thicker materials
Uses of beta particles
Treatment of thyroid disorder
Measurement of thickness of thinner materials
Uses of alpha particles
Estimate age of rocks
Used in smoke detectors
How to protect from radioactive materials
At least 2 ways
Reduce risk of contamination by
-removing outer layer of clothing
-washing all exposed body parts with soap & lukewarm water
Reduce exposure by
-reducing exposure time
-shielding with lead-lined gloves and suits
-store radioactive material in a container that will absorb the radiation from the source
-increase distance between source and living tissue