S4.3.2 Glossary Flashcards
Define: Absorb
To take in
Define: Alpha particle
A helium nucleus made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
Define: Benign (tumour)
A non-cancerous mass of cells
Define: Beta particle
An electron emitted from the nucleus as radiation
Define: Cancer
Disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth
Define: Contamination
The unwanted presence of radioactive material
Define: Electromagnetic wave
A transverse wave which transfers energy
Define: Emit
To give out
Define: Energy level
The distance at which electrons orbit the nucleus
Define: Gamma radiation
A high frequency EM wave
Define: Half life
Time taken for the radioactivity of a radioisotope to halve
Define: Ionisation
When electrons are knocked off the outer shell of an atom
Define: Irradiation
Exposure to radiation
Define: Isotope
Atoms with the same atomic number, but a different mass number
Define: Malignant (tumour)
A cancerous mass of cells
Define: Mutation
Change in DNA
Define: Nuclear radiation
Radiation releases from an atom’s nucleus
Define: Penetration
The ability to pass into or through a material
Define: Perceived risk
A subjective judgement about risk
Define: Radiation dose
The amount of radiation something is exposed to
Define: Radioactive decay
The release of radiation by a radioisotope
Define: Sieverts
Units for measuring radiation dose
Define: Tumour
A mass of cells
