Smoke Alarm (applying radio isotopes) + Background Radiation Flashcards
1
Q
What type of emition is in smoke alarm
A
alpha emitting
2
Q
Why is alpha used
A
ionises air
3
Q
How does a smoke alarm work
A
alpha source emits alpha particles which ionise the air and allow current to flow
When smoke enters the circuit breaks and causes alarm to go off
4
Q
Why does smoke break the circuit
A
alpha is weakly penetrating so smoke stops it
5
Q
What is background radiation defined
A
radiation that comes from our surroundings all the time
6
Q
What are the two types of sources
A
natural or man made
7
Q
What are the natural sources of radiation
A
rocks and cosmic rays
8
Q
What are the man made source of radiation
A
fallout from nuclear weapon testing and accidents
9
Q
What is does measured in
A
sieverts
