Unit 4B Flashcards
What can changes in the number, arrangement, or energy of nucleons cause?
unstable
What happens during the process of radioactive decay?
The nucleus emits radiation and transforms the unstable atom into a different nuclide.
throwing off particles or energy.
What is the relatively long-range repulsive electromagnetic force of the proton called?
c
coulomb (C) force
What happens during internal conversion?
electron
electron being ejected from the atom
What is the term for the splitting of a nucleus into at least two other nuclei that release a large
amount of energy?
F
Fission.
What is excitation?
electron
electron; jumps to a
higher atomic energy level.
When are alpha particles most dangerous?
When they get inside the body.
When is calculating the beta particle range useful?
evaluating
evaluating hazards from beta particles
or shielding designs.
For the purposes of radiation safety protection, how is bremsstrahlung avoided?
surrounding
surrounding the beta emitter(s) with a low atomic number material.
What is another term for the splitting of a nucleus?
Fission.
Why is gamma/X-ray a very serious external hazard?
Due to its high penetrating ability.
If an isotope is very unstable, at what rate does it decay?
Very fast (within seconds or minutes).
What happens to a photon during pair production?
replaced by an electron & positron
Concerning radioactivity, why is it important to know the amount of Cis?
atoms / time
amount of atoms are disintegrating in a period of time.
What effect do more transformations(per unit of time) have on the amount of energy that is
emitted?
greater amount of radiation emitted.
Why is the absorbed dose (D) a more useful quantity?
absorbing media
it is applicable to any type of absorbing media & any type of ionizing radiation.
What is specific activity (SA)?
Ci/g
number of curies per gram (Ci/g) of material.
What is used to determine total exposure and estimated dose?
exposure R
Exposure rate (R/hr or mR/hr) and the period of exposure.
Although more than one dose equivalent unit exists, which unit of measurement is most likely to be
seen?
ariana
rem
How does direct damage to a cell occur from exposure to ionizing radiation?
Radiation collides with or passes close enough to a molecule in the DNA to cause it to break apart.
What is meant by the term nonstochastic?
dose must
(1) dose must be exceeded before the particular effect is observed.
(2) The magnitude of the effect increases with the size of the dose.
(3) There is a clear, unambiguous causal relationship between exposure to the agent and the observed
effect.
What do the symptoms of ARS depend upon?
The dose received over a person’s whole body.
What is the most likely outcome of an acute dose of 450 rem?
50% of untreated exposed people are expected to die within 60 days after exposure.
What can happen if the focusing cup on the X-ray machine does not properly control electrons?
unnecessary radiation
exposures
If focal spot is small, then what will the image quality of the X-ray be?
Its image will be sharper.
What is the effect on the patient if an X-ray technician uses a high kVp setting?
- produces more penetrating X-rays,
- reduces a patient’s exposure.
What types of RAM are covered by template permits?
x
X-ray fluorescence devices & targeting devices
Why is it important that the interior of the glass envelope surrounding the cathode be kept under a
partial vacuum?
- minimizes interactions with air molecules
- slows down burnout of the tube.
Who can make a no-notice inspection of permit compliance?
AFIA & NRC inspector
Where is information found describing the parameters under which RAM may be legally received,
possessed, transferred, stored, used, and disposed?
c
“conditions” section of the permit.
What is a key responsibility of the IRSO concerning the USAF Dosimetry Program?
Maintain ALARA radiation exposures to personnel.
In what situations would BE interact with public health regarding the Dosimetry Program?
pregnant
workers having exposures to ionizing radiation.
If specialty dosimeters such as collar or extremity dosimeters are not worn, what type of
dosimeter is worn to determine dose equivalents for the head, lens of the eye, and extremities?
The whole-body dosimeter.
What part of a worker’s body is a collar dosimeter used to evaluate exposures?
Head and lens of the eye.
If a worker wears an extremity dosimeter with lead gloves, where is the dosimeter worn?
Under the shielded gloves.
What type of dosimeter is used exclusively by WMD responders?
The N2.
What steps must be performed before issuing a TLD?
(1) Coordinate enrollment information with the USAF RDL.
(2) Establish the exposure history.
(3) Brief the wearer on topics specified in AFMAN 48–125.
(4) Complete the RDL Listing 1523.
If asked to provide a dosimeter to a one-time user (visitor, student, special study, etc.), what is
written on the RDL Listing 1523?
In the remarks column of RDL Listing 1523, annotate as “one time”.
If an individual leaves the base without out-processing through BE, what radiation dose is
assigned to the individual?
adm
administrative dose.
List the steps for disenrolling an individual from the Dosimetry Program.
(1) Determine if the individual wore the dosimeter during the monitoring period.
(2) Complete the personnel information change form.
(3) Submit all dosimeters for individual(s) deleted from the program to the USAF RDL at the end of the
monitoring period.
Most occupational radiation exposure circumstances encountered within the USAF can be
adequately monitored at what frequency of exchange?
On a quarterly basis.
What actions are taken prior to repacking and coordinating shipping of dosimeters back to the
RDL?
count
count all dosimeters & disassemble
Within how many days after the monitoring period ends must dosimeters be shipped to the USAF
RDL, and which squadron or office should handle the shipment?
5 workdays
What must be done with the Listing 1499–1 once it is received in the BE office?
signed by the IRSO
If any dose limits are exceeded, what action must be taken and why?
removed from duties involving radiation exposure
How do you check to ensure a scintillator instrument does not have any light leaks?
By holding the probe up to a light source and checking the readings.
When using a GM detector, what is used to prevent alpha and beta from entering the tube?
s
shield on the detector.
How do you ensure radiation measurements are accurate and will provide meaningful results?
Ensure your equipment is properly operated and calibrated.
What instrument is used to detect alpha radiation during routine workplace surveys and/or
response to radiological incidents?
ADM–300 with the AP.
When using the Victoreen, how is it configured to measure for beta radiation?
By first opening the beta window.
What instrument is used to collect air samples to determine the amount of airborne radiological
particulates?
RADeCO high volume air sampling kit.
What two types of radiological sources are swipe tested within the AF?
Sealed and unsealed.