Week 2 Flashcards
What safety measures are used to protect against radiation exposure from alpha particles?
Alpha particles can be blocked by paper or skin, so minimizing inhalation or ingestion is crucial for safety.
What are some common sources of man-made radiation?
Common man-made sources are medical imaging (X-rays, CT scans), nuclear power plants, and certain consumer products.
What distinguishes ionizing radiation from non-ionizing radiation?
Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, whereas non-ionizing radiation does not.
Why is linear accelerator technology important in radiation treatment?
It accelerates electrons to produce high-energy radiation beams for precise tumor targeting.
What responsibilities do individuals have in ensuring radiation protection?
Individuals are responsible for following safety protocols, using protective equipment, and minimizing unnecessary exposure.
In what situations can alpha particles become highly damaging to biological tissues?
Alpha particles are harmful when radioactive materials are ingested or inhaled, damaging internal tissues.
How does ionizing radiation affect matter at an atomic level?
It ionizes atoms by displacing electrons, potentially causing biological damage.
What role do protons play in defining an element in the periodic table?
Protons determine an elements atomic number and placement on the periodic table.
How do electromagnetic waves differ from particulate radiation?
Electromagnetic waves travel in wave form and include light and radio waves, while particulate radiation consists of particles like alpha and beta particles.
How are neutrons involved in the concept of isotopes?
Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
How do gamma rays differ from alpha and beta particles in radioactive decay?
Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge, often emitted with alpha/beta particles.
What is the process of radioactive decay?
Radioactive decay is the emission of radiation from unstable atomic nuclei, leading to transformation into a different element.
What are equivalent dose and absorbed dose in the context of ionizing radiation?
Equivalent dose considers radiation types potential for biological harm, while absorbed dose is the energy deposited per unit mass.
Why is the speed of light important in understanding electromagnetic radiation?
The speed of light is constant for all electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum and helps relate energy, frequency, and wavelength.
How does equivalent dose differ from effective dose in radiation protection?
Equivalent dose takes into account the type and energy of radiation, while effective dose considers the specific organs affected and their sensitivity.
Why are microwaves and radio waves considered non-ionizing radiation?
They lack sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms.
What materials are effective in shielding against beta radiation?
Materials like lead or wood can shield against beta radiation, requiring thicker layers for higher energy levels.
How do beta particles differ from alpha particles in terms of penetration and interaction?
Beta particles are lighter, have less charge, penetrate deeper, and cause less ionization than alpha particles.
What is the dual nature of electromagnetic radiation?
Electromagnetic radiation exhibits wave-particle duality, behaving as both waves and particles (photons).
What are the characteristics of alpha particles?
Alpha particles are helium nuclei with 2 protons and 2 neutrons, having large mass and positive charge.