radioactivity - Irradiation and Contamination Flashcards
what is irradiation
exposing an object to nuclear radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, neutrons)
what is a good example for irradiation
sterilisation - to kill bacteria
lots of medical equipment needs to be sterilized (done by heating) however some cannot be heated and so gamma radiation is used
when an object is radiated does the object become radioactive?
no it doesnt because its in contact with he radiation but not the radioactive isotope itself
people who work with radioactive isotopes have got to take precautions. what would be done when dealing with alpha radiation
wearing gloves as it is not very penetrating
people who work with radioactive isotopes have got to take precautions. what would be done when dealing with beta or gamma radiation
wear a lead apron
lead walls
or a lead screen
what can radioactive monitors be used for
to see the levels or radiation nearby helping determine whether it is safe to work there or not
what is radioactive contamination
when unwanted radioactive isotopes end up on other materials, this is called contamination
how is radioactive contamination hazardous
radioactive atoms decay and emit ionizing adiaiton
how are alpha emitters dangerous
strongly ionized but easily stopped by dead cells on the skin surface. they can be dangerous if inhaled or swallowed
how are beta particles dangerous
they are less ionizing but can easily penetrate skin and get into the body
how are gamma rays dangerous
gamma rays are weakly ionizing and so although they can pass through the body very easily they also pass straight back out making them less hazardous
why is peer review important
when the studies are published it allows their findings to be check by other scientists
