Photo AI
Radioactivity is used in PET scanners in hospitals - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
Radioactivity is used in PET scanners in hospitals. (i) Describe one use of PET scanners in hospitals. (ii) State two precautions that hospital staff should take w... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Radioactivity is used in PET scanners in hospitals - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one use of PET scanners in hospitals.
Answer
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners are primarily used for diagnosing or locating diseases, particularly cancers. They work by identifying the metabolic activity within tissues. For example, in cancer patients, a PET scan can help locate tumors by showing which areas of the body have higher metabolic rates, indicating the presence of cancer cells.
Step 2
State two precautions that hospital staff should take when working with radioactivity.
Answer
-
Use of shielding: Hospital staff should wear protective clothing and utilize lead shielding to minimize exposure to radiation.
-
Maintain distance: Staff should keep a safe distance from radioactive sources whenever possible, and work in another room during procedures involving radioactivity to reduce exposure risks.