Ionizing Radiation Overview

Alpha radiation (α)

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation, meaning it does not consist of particles like alpha and beta radiation.

Because gamma radiation does not involve the loss of protons or neutrons from the atom's nucleus.

<p>Ionizing radiation can damage DNA, leading to cell mutations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Alpha radiation consists of large, slow-moving particles, making them easily stopped by materials like paper or skin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Larger particles have lower penetrating power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>No, gamma radiation does not change the element.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, while beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, accompanied by the emission of an electron (beta particle).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In alpha decay, both the number of protons and neutrons decrease. In beta decay, the number of protons increases by 1, while the number of neutrons decreases by 1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gamma radiation is a high-energy electromagnetic wave, while alpha and beta radiation are particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The alfadeeltje is the helium nucleus that is emitted during alpha decay, causing the atom to lose two protons and two neutrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An alfadeeltje has a positive charge because it consists of two protons and no electrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The example decay reactions illustrate the changes in atomic number and mass number that occur during alpha and beta decay.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gamma radiation is a release of pure energy, not a change in the number of protons or neutrons. Therefore, the element remains unchanged.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Internal contamination happens when radioactive substances enter the body through means like inhalation or ingestion. For example, a person consuming vegetables grown near a nuclear power plant could experience internal contamination. External contamination occurs when radioactive substances adhere to skin or clothing after contact. For instance, workers at a nuclear facility near a damaged reactor might experience external contamination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In Radiotherapy, gamma radiation is precisely targeted at tumors to kill cancer cells or halt their division, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Gamma rays penetrate deeply into the body, making them particularly effective for treating deep-seated tumors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Effective dose is a measurement that accounts for the type of tissue being irradiated and provides a more accurate estimation of radiation's impact on health. It takes into account the sensitivity of different tissues to radiation, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of the potential biological effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gamma radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves, making it massless and capable of penetrating considerable depths. It can be stopped by sufficient shielding, such as thick concrete (1 meter) or a few centimeters of lead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Activity refers to the rate at which radioactive nuclei decay and emit radiation. It indicates the number of nuclei decaying per unit time. The higher the activity, the faster the decay and the greater the amount of radiation emitted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Radon is a radioactive noble gas that forms as a result of the decay of uranium found in certain rocks. The Ardennes region in Belgium has uranium-rich soil, leading to a higher concentration of radon. Due to fractures in the rocks, the gas can escape into the air and accumulate in confined spaces like cellars, posing a potential health risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One way to reduce radon exposure is to ensure proper ventilation of homes, particularly in basements. This allows fresh air to circulate, dispersing radon gas. Another preventative measure is to seal cracks and openings in the foundation, which act as entry points for radon gas from the surrounding soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dose refers to the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a particular body. It is measured using units such as the gray (Gy), which represents the amount of energy absorbed per kilogram of material.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gamma radiation does not change the mass number, as no particles leave the nucleus.

The element remains unchanged after radiation because no protons or neutrons disappear.

Gamma radiation can affect the energy of the nucleus but not the element itself.

Ionizing radiation can eject electrons from atoms, creating ions and potentially damaging DNA in cells.

Rank of radiation types by their ionizing power: Alpha > Beta > Gamma.

Alpha radiation has the greatest ionizing power and is the least penetrating.

A type of radiation that can penetrate materials, needing thick barriers like 1 m of concrete or 3 cm of lead to stop it.

The rate at which radioactive nuclei decay and emit radiation. More decays mean greater activity.

The amount of radiation energy that enters the body, affecting health.

A measure that considers the type of tissue being irradiated and gives a better estimate of radiation impact on health, expressed in sieverts (Sv).

Occurs when radioactive substances enter the body, e.g., via inhalation or ingestion.

Occurs when radioactive materials adhere to the skin or clothing after contact with radioactive sources.

A radioactive noble gas found in uranium-rich soils, particularly concentrated in the Ardennes region of Belgium.

Used in radiotherapy to target tumors, destroy cancer cells, and limit damage to healthy tissue due to deep penetration capabilities.

Emission of a helium nucleus (alpha particle) from an unstable nucleus, losing 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

A helium nucleus (⁴₂He) emitted during alpha decay.

The original element loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons, resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

Emission of an electron from the nucleus, formed when a neutron converts into a proton.

An electron (β−) released during beta decay.

The original element gains 1 proton, resulting in a new element with the same mass but a higher atomic number.

Emission of energy waves, leaving the element unchanged in composition and mass.

Polonium-214 (⁶⁴₂He) decays to Lead-210 after emitting an alpha particle.

Gamma radiation causes the nucleus to lose energy but not mass.

Energy that moves through space without matter, e.g., light, gamma.

Radiation with enough energy to remove electrons from atoms.

It can damage DNA in cells, leading to potential health issues.

Refers to how deep radiation can travel through materials.

Beta particles are smaller than alpha and can be stopped by aluminum.

Alpha > Beta > Gamma in terms of ionizing capability.