Basics of Nuclear Radiation
What is the charge of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?
+2, -1, and 0
How is nuclear radiation used in the real world?
Medicine, Industry, Agriculture, OR Energy
What is a benefit and a risk of Fusion and Fission?
Fusion - (Benefit) - Powerful / Clean Energy, (Risk) - Difficult to Control --- Fission (Benefit) - Powerful / Clean Energy, (Risk) - Waste Accidents
What happens to an unstable atom in radioactive decay?
An unstable atom is broken down
X-Rays are an example of nuclear radiation being used in what field?
Medical
What is the mass of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?
4, 1, and 0 amu
How is nuclear radiation used in the medical industry?
Diagnosis / Treatment of Diseases and Cancers, OR Research
How is Fusion currently used?
To provide clean energy
What is radioactive half-life?
The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to break down or decay.
What is a benefit and a risk of the Sterile Insect Technique?
Benefit - Environmental Safety, Risk - Effectiveness in High-Density areas
What are ways to protect yourself from / stop alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?
Alpha - Basic PPE, Beta - Plastic, Glass, or Aluminum shielding, Gamma - Lead / Concrete, Large distances
What is E, M, and C?
Energy, Mass, and the Speed of Light
How is Fission currently used?
It splits uranium atoms in power plants, producing heat that generates steam that turns turbines.
What is a benefit and a risk of X-Rays?
Benefit - Early Detection, Risk - Radiation Exposure OR Allergic Reactions
What is the penetrating power (High, Medium, or Low) of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?
Low, Medium, and High
What does E = mc^2 represent?
The Principle of Mass Energy Equivalence
Explain the process of Fusion.
When two small particles smash together and join to make a bigger atom.
What element do scientists use to measure Radioactive half-life?
Carbon-14
What is a benefit and a risk of Food Irradiation?
Benefit - Enhanced Food Safety, Risk - Nutrient Loss
What is the ability to ionize and Q factor of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?
High / 20, Moderate / 1-2, Low / 1
What does E = mc^2 mean in its simplest form?
Energy and mass are interchangeable, with a small amount of mass containing an enormous amount of energy.
Explain the process of Fission.
A big atom splits, releasing energy and neutrons, causing more atoms to split and release energy.
Scientists use carbon-14 because it has a known half-life and is found in living things.
What is a risk of Brachytherapy?
Benefit - Fast Recovery, Risk - Infertility OR Bowel Issues