4.2.3 Uses of Radiation

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Radiation is present in our everyday lives and can also be really useful. However, certain types of radiation can be very dangerous because they can damage our cells and DNA.

Uses of Radiation

1. Medical Applications:

Radiotherapy: High doses of radiation are used to kill cancer cells.
Radiotracers: Radioactive substances like technetium-99 are used to diagnose and monitor conditions by imaging internal organs with X-rays or PET scanners. 2. Sterilisation:
Irradiation: Gamma rays are used to sterilise surgical instruments by killing bacteria and other pathogens.

3. Food Preservation:

Irradiation: Radiation is used to kill bacteria and parasites in food, extending its shelf life without making the food radioactive. 4. Industrial Uses:
Radiography: Radiation is used to inspect the integrity of materials and structures, such as pipelines and aircraft parts, by detecting cracks or flaws.
Smoke Detectors: Americium-241, a radioactive element, is used in smoke detectors to help detect smoke particles.

5. Power Generation:

Nuclear Energy: Radioactive materials are used in nuclear reactors to produce electricity through controlled nuclear reactions.

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