Uses Of Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
Describe a use of alpha radiation
Smoke detectors
Describe a use of beta radiation
Medical tracers
Describe a use of gamma radiation
Treat cancer cells or sterilise medical equipment
Describe an advantage of isotopes with short half lives
They quickly become safe
Describe a disadvantage of isotopes with short half lives
Initially give out large quantities of radiation so are very dangerous to begin with
Describe an advantage of isotopes with long half lives
- give out smaller amounts of radiation over a long period time
Describe a disadvantage of isotopes with long half lives
Can be very dangerous
Describe an advantage and a disadvantage of isotopes with short lived being able to decay more quickly.
- used in cancer treatment to deliver a high dose of radiation to target tissues+ minimises exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. (ADVANTAGE)
- inconsistent and must be replenished frequently ( DISADVANTAGE)
Describe an advantage and a disadvantage of isotopes with long half lives that decay very slowly
- provide a steady source of radiation over a longer period (scientists measuring age of materials)- ADVANTAGE
- can remain radioactive for a long period of time posing potential risk to health and environment (DISADVANTAGE)
Describe in two steps how alpha radiation is used in smoke alarms
- the alpha particles ionise they air causing current to flow
- if smoke enters the detector the alpha particles cannot penetrate (air isn’t ionised) causing current to stop+ alarm sounds
Give three reasons why alpha radiation is important for smoke alarms.
- can ionise the air+ cause a current to flow in the device
- can be stopped by smoke sue to weak penetration ability
- only travels a few cm so unlikely
to cause harm to close by living tissues
What radioactive source is used in fire alarms?
Americium
What causes tissue damage?
Radiation entering living cells and ionising the atoms/molecules within them
What are 4 risks of using radiation?
- tissue damage
- cancer
- kill cells
- radiation sickness
What nuclear radiation is most dangerous if inside the body and why?
Alpha as it is the most ionising
Compare the danger of alpha radiation with gamma and beta radiation in contact with a human.
- alpha radiation is harmless outside the body (cannot penetrate the skin) but dangerous inside (cannot get out)
- beta and gamma are dangerous outside the body but not dangerous inside ( can get out)
What are three risks of using any of the three types of nuclear radiation?
- can damage cells
- cause mutations
- destroy tissues
What does radioactive mean?
Having isotopes that are unstable and emitting radiation
What is irradiation?
The exposure to radiation itself ( alpha+ beta particles or gamma waves)
What is contamination?
The unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on or in a object
Why are beta and gamma more hazardous outside the body?
Can penetrate the body and reach our organs
Why is aloha more dangerous inside the body?
Can’t leave the body+ will ionise and damage cells close to it
