What is meant by radioactive contamination?

It is the unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials.

Where does the hazard from radioactive contamination come from?

From the decay of the contaminating atoms, which give out radiation.

Explain why the type of radiation emitted affects how hazardous a contamination is.

The radiations differ in how strongly they ionise and how far they penetrate, so they do different amounts of damage to the material the atoms are sitting on or in.

What is meant by irradiation?

It is the process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation from a source outside it.

Does an object that has been irradiated become radioactive?

No, irradiation does not make the object radioactive.

AQA GCSE Physics 8463

Atomic Structure

Topic overview The structure of an atom Mass number, atomic number and isotopes From the plum pudding model to the nuclear model Chadwick, the neutron, and comparing the models Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation Nuclear equations Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay Radioactive contamination Background radiation Uses of nuclear radiation, and how half-life affects hazard Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion

Electricity

Topic overview Circuit symbols, electrical charge and current Current, resistance and potential difference Ohmic conductors, filament lamps, diodes and thermistors Light-dependent resistors, and investigating resistance Current and potential difference in series and parallel Constructing circuits, and calculating in series circuits Direct and alternating potential difference, and mains electricity Power and efficiency Appliances, and the energy transferred by electrical work Power, and the power ratings of domestic appliances The National Grid Static charge Electric fields

Energy

Topic overview Energy stores and systems Kinetic energy Elastic and gravitational potential energy Energy changes in systems Power Energy transfers in a system The main energy resources, renewable and non-renewable Environmental impact and trends in energy use

Forces

Topic overview Scalars, vectors, forces and the resultant force Gravity Work done and energy transfer Stretching, compressing, and the spring constant Linear and non-linear extension, and work done on a spring Moments, levers and gears Pressure at a surface, and the equation p = F over A Atmospheric pressure Distance, displacement and speed The speed of sound, and the distance-speed-time equation Velocity and the distance-time relationship Acceleration, deceleration and velocity-time graphs Area under a velocity-time graph, and the uniform acceleration equation Newton's First Law Newton's Second and Third Laws Stopping distance and reaction time Factors affecting braking distance Braking force, deceleration and the dangers of stopping quickly

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Topic overview Poles of a magnet Magnetic fields around a magnet The compass, and plotting a magnetic field Electromagnetism

Particle Model of Matter

Topic overview Density of materials Changes of state and internal energy Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity Changes of state and specific latent heat Particle motion in gases Pressure in gases, volume and temperature

Space Physics

Topic overview Our solar system, and the orbits of satellites The life cycle of a star Red-shift

Waves

Topic overview Transverse and longitudinal waves, and the wave equation Wave properties, and refraction at a boundary Reflection of waves Types and uses of electromagnetic waves Radio waves, and the hazards of ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays Lenses Visible light Emission and absorption of infrared radiation, and black bodies

Atomic Structure

Radioactive contamination

3 things to know
Paper 1

Overview

Radioactive contamination and where its hazard comes from, why the type of radiation matters and alpha emitters inside the body, irradiation and how it differs from contamination, comparing the hazards of sealed and loose sources, precautions such as lead-lined containers and protective clothing, and why findings on radiation effects are shared and peer reviewed.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Explain why an alpha emitter is especially dangerous once it is inside the body.

Key term

State the key difference between contamination and irradiation.

Key term

Explain why contamination is often a longer-lasting hazard than irradiation.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is meant by radioactive contamination?
Model answer
It is the unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials.
2
Where does the hazard from radioactive contamination come from?
Model answer
From the decay of the contaminating atoms, which give out radiation.
3
Explain why the type of radiation emitted affects how hazardous a contamination is.
Model answer
The radiations differ in how strongly they ionise and how far they penetrate, so they do different amounts of damage to the material the atoms are sitting on or in.
4
Explain why an alpha emitter is especially dangerous once it is inside the body.
Model answer
Alpha radiation is very strongly ionising and is absorbed within a short distance, so all of its energy is deposited in the surrounding tissue.
5
What is meant by irradiation?
Model answer
It is the process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation from a source outside it.
6
Does an object that has been irradiated become radioactive?
Model answer
No, irradiation does not make the object radioactive.

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