Uses of radiation

Question 1

Explain which type of radiation is more ionising and why

Answer 1

Alpha is the most ionising because of its large mass compared to beta and gamma radiation. It can easily knock electrons off atoms they collide with turning them into ions

Question 2

Alpha attraction and uses

Answer 2

Attracted towards the negative plate and used for smoke alarms

Question 3

Beta attraction and uses

Answer 3

Attracted to the positive plate and used for measuring the thickness of metal foil

Question 4

Gamma attraction and uses

Answer 4

attracted to nothing and used for cancer treatment, detecting leaks underground and irradiating food to kill bacteria

Question 5

Irradiation vs Contamination

Answer 5

Irradiation is when a substance has been exposed to radiation but not made radioactive whereas contamination is when radioisotopes have been transferred into an object making it radioactive.

Question 6

Sterilisation

Answer 6

The use of gamma rays to kill bacteria

Question 7

Mutation

Answer 7

Changing of DNA

Question 8

Misrepair/accurate repair

Answer 8

When a cell is repaired incorrectly/correctly

Question 9

Peer review

Answer 9

When scientists research something, their findings are published and shared with other scientists to be checked for mistakes