P5 - Radioactive Materials Flashcards
1
Q
What are some uses / risks of electromagnetic radiation?
A
Whilst potentially cancerous, can be used for imaging body / killing cancerous cells.
2
Q
What is the difference between contamination / irradiation, and which particle type penetrates most / least?
A
Alpha, non-penetrating. Gamma, penetrating. Contamination, directly contacting radioactivity. Irradiation, indirect exposure. Potentially cancerous, but used for imaging body.
3
Q
What is radioactive decay?
A
Isotope decay, radioactive activity decreases. Half-life, time taken for undecayed amount to half.
