Unit 8 Quiz Flashcards
Radiation is defined as
energy traveling through space
Ionizing radiation is
radiation that has so much energy it can knock electrons out of atoms (ionization)
Two types of ionizing radiation
Particulate energy (highly energetic protons, neutrons, and a and b particles)
Electromagnetic energy (photons such as gamma rays and X-rays)
Alpha particle
Low penetration power, can be stopped by paper, if swallowed very harmful, can enter through open wounds/inhalation
Beta Particle
Has moderate penetrating power,can penetrate the skin up to 2 cm, clothing can provide protection
Radioactivity is
the spontaneous emission of radiation from the nucleus of an unstable atom
Absorbed Dose
The radiation energy absorbed per unit mass of an organ/tissue, how much radiation an object or person has absorbed
Effective Dose (Dose Equivalent)
Describes amount of radiation absorbed, adjusted for type of radiation and effect on particular organs
Becquerel:
Curie (corresponds to radioactivity)
Gray:
Rad (radiation absorbed)
Sievert:
Rem (dose related to biological effect)
Coulomb:
Roentegen (corresponds to exposure)
Fukushima question:
Describe the earthquake
Tohoku earthquake was a 9.0 undersea earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded
Fukushima question:
Describe the tsunami
The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami with waves reaching up to 40 meters. It eventually hit the power plant approximately 50 minutes after the earthquake, leading to severe damage.
Fukushima question:
Approximately how many killed and homeless?
20k people killed, 500k people homeless
Fukushima question:
Nuclear disaster explain
Tsunami waves overwhelmed plant’s seawall and flooded basements, disabled diesel generators, compromised power supply and cooling of three reactors, leading to overheating and meltdown, releasing radioactive materials into the environment
What is unique about both Chernobyl and Fukushima as nuclear disasters?
They are only ones ranked seven at severity on International Nuclear Event Scale
Explain Chernobyl accident
Disaster occurred during a late-night safety test which simulated power outage. There was an uncontrollable reaction, resulting in massive explosion/fire that released large amounts of radioactive particles into the atmosphere.
What is the only notable increase in prevalence of disease at Chernobyl?
Thyroid cancer
What was the town at Chernobyl called?
Pripyat
Natural sources of ionizing radiation
Cosmic rays, other forms of radiation that impinge upon earth from outer space, radiation from geologic formations that contain radioactive elements
Anthropogenic sources of ionizing radiation
X-rays, consumer products, nuclear power generators, radioactive substances used in industry
Nucliide
Any species of atom that exists for a measurable length of time
What forms of waves are ionizing?
X-rays, gamma rays
Extremely Low Frequency radiation hertz range
50 to 60
Cell phone emission range
900 to 1800 megahertz
