Read this passage and answer the questions below - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 11 - 2007
Question 11
Read this passage and answer the questions below.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It originates from the decay of uranium, which is present in small... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read this passage and answer the questions below - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 11 - 2007
Step 1
What is radioactivity?
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Answer
Radioactivity is the decay of nuclei with the emission of radiation / energy, represented by the formula α/β/γ. It exhibits a radioactive property and the decay is usually unstable.
Step 2
What is the source of radon?
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Answer
The source of radon is uranium, which is present in small quantities in rocks and soils.
Step 3
Name a detector of radiation.
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Answer
A detector of radiation includes devices such as the Geiger-Muller tube, ionization chamber, or cloud chamber.
Step 4
How does radon enter a building?
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Answer
Radon can enter a building through small cracks, through the floor, through gaps and pipes.
Step 5
How can the build-up of radon in the home be prevented?
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Answer
The build-up of radon in homes can be prevented by improving ventilation, sealing any cracks, and using depressurizing units.
Step 6
Why is radon dangerous?
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Radon is dangerous because it can cause lung cancer or other diseases due to its radioactive properties.
Step 7
Why is radon harmless in the open air?
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Radon is harmless in the open air because it gets quickly diluted to harmless concentrations.
Step 8
Name a radioactive element other than radon.
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Answer
Other radioactive elements include uranium, plutonium, and thorium.
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