radioactivity uses Flashcards
paper thickness control
alpha radiation
metal sheet thickness control
beta radiation
medical tracer - injected
gamma - liquid
medical tracer - ingested
gamma - solid
cancer and thyroid treatment
gamma radiation
smoke detector
alpha radiation
sterilization of food
gamma radiation
sterilization of medical equipment
gamma radiation
In a paper rolling mill, the thickness of the paper is monitored by how much
beta radiation is received at the detector. Why use beta radiation?
Alpha wouldn’t penetrate the paper. Gamma is so penetrating that there would be little difference in the reading detected if the paper became thick. The count rate reduces with increasing thickness if a beta source is used
ideal properties of a radioactive source for use in medical diagnosis
-short half life, means that there’s less damage to tissue/thebody
-low ionising power, means there’s less damage to body
-emits gamma rays
-highly penetrating meaning it can be detected outside body
why does a smoke alarm switch on when smoke enters it
the smoke absorbs the alpha particles as it is weakly penetrating.
why can’t a smoke alarm emit beta or gamma radiation
they both can penetrate smoke, meaning that the smoke will not absorb it and there will be no change in count rate
what can nuclear radiation be used for in medicine
exploration of internal organs and control or destruction of unwanted tissue
