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What is radiation used for?

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How can radiation detect a fire?
Smoke alarms contain a weak source of alpha radiation.
The alpha particles ionize the air.
If there is smoke present, it
interacts with the ions produced
by the alpha particles and
ionization is reduced.

smoke
particle
α

This means that less current is

flowing through the air, which
causes the alarm to sound. α
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How is radiation used in making paper?

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How can radiation find leaks in pipes?

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How can radiation detect cracks?
Gamma rays can also be used
to detect cracks after an
object has been welded.
Gamma rays are like X-rays.

welded welding flaws

metal pipe
If a gamma source is placed
on one side of the welded
metal, and a photographic
film on the other side, any
flaws will show up on the film
like an X-ray.

photographic film
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How is radiation used for sterilization?
Gamma rays are used to kill
bacteria, mould and insects in food.
This can be done even after the
food has been packaged. It can
affect the taste, but supermarkets
like it because it lengthens the
shelf life.
Gamma rays are also used to
kill bacteria on medical
equipment.
It is particularly useful with
plastic equipment that would be
damaged by heat sterilization.

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Uses of radiation – activity

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Dangers of ionizing radiations

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Dangers of ionizing radiations – activity

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Radiation safety
The three types of radiation differ in their effects and
physical nature.

All radioactive sources must be handled safely.

The hazard symbol for radiation is shown below:

As well as the normal laboratory safety rules you follow, are

there any extra rules concerning radioactivity?

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How are radioactive sources used safely?
Radioactive materials could be very dangerous to handle
if no safety precautions were taken.
This is because people and their clothing could become
contaminated.
The safety precautions are:
● keep exposure times as short as possible
● monitor exposure with a film dose badge
● label radioactive sources clearly
● store radioactive sources in
shielded containers
● wear protective clothing
● use tongs or a robotic arm to
handle radioactive materials.
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Background radiation
Background radiation is the radiation all around us.

Most of the radioactivity you are exposed to is from natural

sources.

How many different sources of background radiation can you

think of?

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Calculating background radiation

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