use of radiation

Question 1

how is radiation harmful?

Answer 1

Radiation is harmful because it is ionising (the ability to knock electrons out of atoms)

Question 2

what can radiation do to humans?

Answer 2

In humans it can cause mutations to DNA leading to cancer or can kill the cell

Question 3

what type of radiation does smoke detectors use?

Answer 3

Smoke detectors use alpha radiation

Question 4

what type of radiation does thickness monitors use?

Answer 4

Thickness monitors use beta radiation

Question 5

what are the medical uses of radiation?

Answer 5

Medical uses of radiation can be used to explore internal organs and control or
destroy unwanted tissues.

Question 6

what can gamma radiation be used for?

Answer 6

Gamma radiation can be used to kill cancer cells

Question 7

what can beta or gamma radiation be used for?

Answer 7

Beta or gamma can be used as a tracer the half-life must be long enough to detect but not too long

Question 8

what are the natural sources of background radiation?

Answer 8

Natural sources of background radiation include cosmic rays (12.5%), food and
drink (12.5%), rocks and buildings (12.5%), and radon gas (50%).

Question 9

where do man made sources of radiation come from?

Answer 9

Man-made sources (12.5%) of radiation come from nuclear fallout from weapon
tests, nuclear disasters, and medical uses.