S4.3.2 Glossary

Question 1

Define: Absorb

Answer 1

To take in

Question 2

Define: Alpha particle

Answer 2

A helium nucleus made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons

Question 3

Define: Benign (tumour)

Answer 3

A non-cancerous mass of cells

Question 4

Define: Beta particle

Answer 4

An electron emitted from the nucleus as radiation

Question 5

Define: Cancer

Answer 5

Disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth

Question 6

Define: Contamination

Answer 6

The unwanted presence of radioactive material

Question 7

Define: Electromagnetic wave

Answer 7

A transverse wave which transfers energy

Question 8

Define: Emit

Answer 8

To give out

Question 9

Define: Energy level

Answer 9

The distance at which electrons orbit the nucleus

Question 10

Define: Gamma radiation

Answer 10

A high frequency EM wave

Question 11

Define: Half life

Answer 11

Time taken for the radioactivity of a radioisotope to halve

Question 12

Define: Ionisation

Answer 12

When electrons are knocked off the outer shell of an atom

Question 13

Define: Irradiation

Answer 13

Exposure to radiation

Question 14

Define: Isotope

Answer 14

Atoms with the same atomic number, but a different mass number

Question 15

Define: Malignant (tumour)

Answer 15

A cancerous mass of cells

Question 16

Define: Mutation

Answer 16

Change in DNA

Question 17

Define: Nuclear radiation

Answer 17

Radiation releases from an atom’s nucleus

Question 18

Define: Penetration

Answer 18

The ability to pass into or through a material

Question 19

Define: Perceived risk

Answer 19

A subjective judgement about risk

Question 20

Define: Radiation dose

Answer 20

The amount of radiation something is exposed to

Question 21

Define: Radioactive decay

Answer 21

The release of radiation by a radioisotope

Question 22

Define: Sieverts

Answer 22

Units for measuring radiation dose

Question 23

Define: Tumour

Answer 23

A mass of cells