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Radioactive sources are used in hospitals for both diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 2
Radioactive sources are used in hospitals for both diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. (a) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Radioactive sources are used in hospitals for both diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Describe ways that medical staff can be protected from exposure to ionising radiation.
Answer
Medical staff can employ several strategies to protect themselves from ionising radiation:
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Distance: Increasing the distance from the radiation source reduces exposure due to the inverse square law; more distance means significantly less radiation reaches the staff.
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Shielding: Using lead shields or appropriate barriers can absorb and deflect radiation, thus protecting medical personnel.
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Personal Protective Equipment: Wearing lead aprons, gloves, and eyewear to minimize exposure to radiation during procedures.
Step 3
Explain how cancer tumours can be treated using a radiation source placed inside the patient.
Answer
Cancer tumours can be treated using a method known as brachytherapy, where a radioactive source is placed directly next to or inside the tumour. This approach allows for high doses of radiation to target cancerous cells while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
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The radioactive source emits alpha or beta particles, depending on the treatment protocol, and has a low penetration range, which effectively damages and destroys cancer cells.
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The localized delivery of radiation helps mitigate damage to adjacent healthy organs, making it a precise treatment option.