Usage of Radiation in industry

Question 1

What is alpha particles used in?

Answer 1

Smoke alarms

Question 2

How does a smoke alarm work?

Answer 2

The Smoke alarm contains radioactive isotope that sends out alpha particles into a gap.

The alpha particles ionise the air in the gap so the current is there in the gap

The smoke absorbs the particle so it does not ionise the gap so the current drops.

The alarm sounds.

Question 3

Why cannot gamma or beta radiation be used?

Answer 3

The wouldn’t create enough ions in the gap to conduct electricity, so not enough current..

Question 4

Automatic thickness monitoring in metal foil production uses what radiation?

Answer 4

Beta radiation

Question 5

How does automatic thickness monitoring work?

Answer 5

The amount of beta radiation passes through a foil depending on its thickness.

The detector measures the amount of radiation.

If the foil is too thick the reading will drop and sends signals to increase pressure.

Question 6

Why isn’t gamma radiation or alphga radiation used.

Answer 6

Gamma would penetrate despite the foils thickness and alpha would be absorbed despite its thickness.

Hence detector would not send accurate signals.