Uses of Nuclear Radiation

Question 1

Why are beta and gamma radiation suitable as medical traces?

Answer 1

Because they will penetrate the skin.

Question 2

What method do doctors use to check weather the organs of the body are working as they should?

Answer 2

1) + 2)

Question 3

What does the radiographer use when the source moves around the body to monitor is progress on a display?

Answer 3

A detector and a computer

Question 4

Why does the radioactive source in a medical tracer have to have a short half-life?

Answer 4

4)

Question 5

Why would an alpha source not work as a medical tracer?

Answer 5

Alpha radiation would be stopped by the body’s tissues so you would never detect it externally. It also has strong ionising power which is really harmful if it gets inside you.

Question 6

what type of radiation is used for medical tracers

Answer 6

Beta or Gamma radiation.

Question 7

What type of radiation is used to sterilise food and equipment?

Answer 7

Beta radiation.

Question 8

Give 5 uses of nuclear radiation.

Answer 8

1. Medical traces
2. Sterilising food and equipment
3. Treating cancer
4. In industry, to detect leaks in
   underground pipes
5. Thickness control (e.g paper)