Hazards of radiation (Physics only)

This lesson will contrast radioactive contamination and irradiation, explores on the hazards associated with radiation and how the risk depends on the half-lives of the isotopes. We will also explore the origin of background radiation and how we can measure the radiation dose that we receive over time.

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Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Q1.What is the best definition of 'activity'?

How much radiation there is The time taken for half the nuclei to decay The rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays The number of decays recorded each second by a detector

1/6

Q2.What is the best definition of 'half life'?

How much radiation there is The time taken for half the nuclei to decay The rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays The number of decays recorded each second by a detector

2/6

Q3.What is the best definition of 'count rate'?

How much radiation there is The time taken for half the nuclei to decay The rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays The number of decays recorded each second by a detector

3/6

Q4.What is activity measured in?

Be Bq g g/s

4/6

Q5.If a radioactive sample contained 1600 billion nuclei and its half life was 57 years, after how many years would there be 400 billion nuclei remaining?

57 114 171 400 800 1200

5/6

Q6.A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 hours. How long will it take for 3/4 of the source to decay?

10 hours 20 hours 30 hours 40 hours 50 hours 60 hours

6/6

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Q1.What is the best definition of 'activity'?

How much radiation there is The time taken for half the nuclei to decay The rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays The number of decays recorded each second by a detector

1/6

Q2.What is the best definition of 'half life'?

How much radiation there is The time taken for half the nuclei to decay The rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays The number of decays recorded each second by a detector

2/6

Q3.What is the best definition of 'count rate'?

How much radiation there is The time taken for half the nuclei to decay The rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays The number of decays recorded each second by a detector

3/6

Q4.What is activity measured in?

Be Bq g g/s

4/6

Q5.If a radioactive sample contained 1600 billion nuclei and its half life was 57 years, after how many years would there be 400 billion nuclei remaining?

57 114 171 400 800 1200

5/6

Q6.A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 hours. How long will it take for 3/4 of the source to decay?

10 hours 20 hours 30 hours 40 hours 50 hours 60 hours

6/6

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This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Hazards of Radiation (Physics only)

Use this quiz to see how well you have learnt about the Uses and Hazards of Radiation.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Q1.What is meant by 'background radiation'?

The amount of radiation that comes from man-made sources we are constantly exposed to. The radiation left-over from nuclear accidents. The radiation we are exposed to from space. The normal radiation we are exposed to from natural and man-made sources.

1/7

Q2.For the list of sources below, identify which percentage they each contribute to our annual background radiation dose.

Cosmic rays

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

Food

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

Nuclear power stations and weapons

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

Radon gas in the air

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

2/7

Q3.What does contamination mean?

The unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials. The process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation. The process of an unstable nucleus becoming stable. Keeping safe from radiation.

3/7

Q4.What does irradiation mean?

4/7

Q5.Which of the statements below is correct?

Contamination with radioactive beta-emitting isotopes with a short half-life is a large hazard. Irradiation by an isotope emitting alpha particles poses a great danger. Contamination by an long half-life isotope emitting alpha particles poses a great danger. Contamination with a gamma emitting isotope with a short half-life is a low hazard.

5/7

Q6.Decide in which of the situations below contamination or irradiation would be taking place.

Measuring the thickness of paper using beta particles.

Contamination Irradiation

Smoke detectors using radiation which is blocked by smoke.

Contamination Irradiation

Using a radioactive isotope within a pipeline to find leaks.

Contamination Irradiation

6/7

Q7.Look at the precautions below - decide if they would be effective at preventing contamination or irradiation or neither.

Gloves

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Lead shielding

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Film radiation badge

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Breathing mask

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Keeping your distance from radioactive sources

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

7/7

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Hazards of Radiation (Physics only)

Use this quiz to see how well you have learnt about the Uses and Hazards of Radiation.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Q1.What is meant by 'background radiation'?

1/7

Q2.For the list of sources below, identify which percentage they each contribute to our annual background radiation dose.

Cosmic rays

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

Food

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

Nuclear power stations and weapons

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

Radon gas in the air

Less than 1% 10-20% 50% or more

2/7

Q3.What does contamination mean?

3/7

Q4.What does irradiation mean?

4/7

Q5.Which of the statements below is correct?

5/7

Q6.Decide in which of the situations below contamination or irradiation would be taking place.

Measuring the thickness of paper using beta particles.

Contamination Irradiation

Smoke detectors using radiation which is blocked by smoke.

Contamination Irradiation

Using a radioactive isotope within a pipeline to find leaks.

Contamination Irradiation

6/7

Q7.Look at the precautions below - decide if they would be effective at preventing contamination or irradiation or neither.

Gloves

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Lead shielding

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Film radiation badge

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Breathing mask

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

Keeping your distance from radioactive sources

Contamination Irradiation Does not stop either.

7/7

Lesson summary: Hazards of radiation (Physics only)

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The next lesson in Atomic Structure is "Uses of radiation (Physics only)"

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