Contamination and irradiation (AQA GCSE Physics Combined Science): Flashcards
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Irradiation definition
Irradiation definition
Radiation reaches you from outside, source stays separate
Contamination definition
Contamination definition
Radioactive material on or inside your body
Key difference: irradiation vs contamination
Key difference: irradiation vs contamination
Irradiation: source separate. Contamination: source contacts body
Does irradiation make you radioactive?
Does irradiation make you radioactive?
No
Why alpha particles not harmful in irradiation
Why alpha particles not harmful in irradiation
Very short range in air (about 5 cm), can't penetrate skin
Types of radiation that can cause irradiation
Types of radiation that can cause irradiation
Gamma rays, beta particles, and X-rays
Effect of ionising radiation on body cells
Effect of ionising radiation on body cells
May damage or kill them
External contamination definition
External contamination definition
Radioactive material on skin, hair, or clothing
Can external contamination be removed?
Can external contamination be removed?
Yes, can often be washed off
Internal contamination definition
Internal contamination definition
Radioactive material eaten or drunk, inside body
Can internal contamination be easily removed?
Can internal contamination be easily removed?
No, much harder to remove from the body
What happens when you move away from an irradiation source?
What happens when you move away from an irradiation source?
The exposure stops
Alpha particles are mainly dangerous via which type of exposure?
Alpha particles are mainly dangerous via which type of exposure?
Contamination, not irradiation
Example of irradiation
Example of irradiation
Having an X-ray to check for broken bones