Radioactivity Uses

Question 1

How is radiation used to kill microorganisms?

Answer 1

Food and surgical instruments are irradiated with gamma rays to kill bacteria and bugs

Question 2

How do smoke alarms use alpha radiation?

Answer 2

There are alpha particles ionising, if the current between them is blocked by something thicker than air like smoke then an alarm goes off.

Question 3

How do gamma rays detect cracks in objects?

Answer 3

A gamma source is placed on one side and a GM tube on the other side detects the weak point (like a crack)

Question 4

How are the kinds of radiation dangerous?

Answer 4

Alpha/Beta/ Gamma are forms of ionising radiations, this means they affect living tissue and cause things like cancer.

Question 5

What does radiation cause?

Answer 5

Radiation inhibits the cells ability to split. It also affect’s mammalian cells and causes mutation in babies

Question 6

How is radiation used to treat cancer?

Answer 6

Beams of gamma rays, X-rays, or protons are directed towards the tumour from the outside. This kills the quickly dividing cancer cells.

Question 7

Radioactive safety precautions

Answer 7

1) Keep short exposure times.
2) label sources clearly
3) wear protective clothing
4)use tongs or robot arms to handle radioactive materials