Biological effect of radiation
Use of radioisotopes
Production of nuclear energy by fission and fusion
Radiation protection
Logic
100
What is ionizing radiation?
Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that acts by removing electrons from atoms and molecules of materials that include air, water, and living tissue.
100
What is radioscope?
a device for detecting the presence of a radioactive substance
100
What is the process of producing nuclear energy by breaking a big thing into smaller pieces called?
Nuclear fission.
100
What is the term for the practice of minimizing radiation exposure to workers and the public during activities involving radioactive materials?
Radiation protection.
100
Jack is looking at Anne. Anne is looking at George. Jack is married, George is not, and we don’t know if Anne is married. Is a married person looking at an unmarried person?
Yes. If Anne is married, then she is married and looking at George, who is unmarried. If Anne is unmarried, then Jack, who is married, is looking at her. Either way, the statement is correct.
200
What is the direct effect of ionizing radiation on DNA?
If radiation interacts with the atoms of the DNA molecule, or some other cellular component critical to the survival of the cell, it is referred to as a direct effect. Such an interaction may affect the ability of the cell to reproduce and, thus, survive. If enough atoms are affected such that the chromosomes do not replicate properly, or if there is significant alteration in the information carried by the DNA molecule, then the cell may be destroyed by “direct” interference with its life-sustaining system.
200
Discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of radioisotopes in various fields, such as medicine, industry, and agriculture.
The use of radioisotopes in medicine, industry, and agriculture offers significant benefits but also entails inherent risks. In medicine, these isotopes are crucial for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment, yet they pose potential health hazards due to radiation exposure. Similarly, in industries like aerospace, radioisotopes enable non-destructive testing but require careful handling to prevent environmental contamination. Agriculture benefits from radioisotopes for soil studies and pest control, but their misuse can lead to ecological imbalances.
200
Name one common element used in nuclear fission reactors to produce energy.
Uranium/plutonium.
200
Name one type of protective clothing commonly worn by workers in radiation environments.
Lead aprons or lead vests are commonly worn for protection against radiation.
200
The day before two days after the day before tomorrow is Saturday. What day is it today?
Friday. The “day before tomorrow” is today; “the day before two days after” is really one day after. So if “one day after today is Saturday,” then it must be Friday.
300
Explain what is happening on these pictures
Pic 1. Normal repair of damage
Pic 2. No repair or non-identical repair before reproduction
Cells, like the human body, have a tremendous ability to repair damage. As a result, not all radiation effects are irreversible. In many instances, the cells are able to completely repair any damage and function normally.
If the damage is severe enough, the affected cell dies. In some instances, the cell is damaged but is still able to reproduce. The daughter cells, however, may be lacking in some critical life-sustaining component, and they die.
300
How do regulatory bodies ensure the safe handling and disposal of radioactive materials in these sectors?
Regulatory bodies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission oversee the safe handling and disposal of radioactive materials. They enforce strict standards for facilities and conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. Collaborating with industries and research institutions, these bodies strive to promote safer practices and technological innovations while safeguarding public health and the environment from the risks associated with radioisotope use.
300
What are the main advantages of producing nuclear energy through fusion compared to fission?
Fusion produces less radioactive waste, has almost unlimited fuel (hydrogen isotopes), and poses no risk of a meltdown.
300
Explain the purpose of a "hot zone" and a "cold zone" in a radiation emergency response.
The "hot zone" is the area with the highest radiation levels where contamination is present, requiring specialized protective equipment. The "cold zone" is the safe area outside the hot zone where decontamination and medical treatment can occur.
300
Susan and Lisa decided to play tennis against each other. They bet $1 on each game they played. Susan won three bets and Lisa won $5. How many games did they play?
Eleven. Because Lisa lost three games to Susan, she had lost $3 ($1 per game). So, she had to win back that $3 with three more games, then win another five games to win $5.
400
Why not all living cells are equally sensitive to radiation? (Hint: reproduction of cells)
Those cells which are actively reproducing are more sensitive than those which are not. This is because dividing cells require correct DNA information in order for the cell’s offspring to survive. A direct interaction of radiation with an active cell could result in the death or mutation of the cell, whereas a direct interaction with the DNA of a dormant cell would have less of an effect.
400
How are radioisotopes utilized in medicine? Provide examples of medical procedures or treatments where radioisotopes play a significant role.
Radioisotopes are extensively used in medicine for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment. For example, technetium-99m is commonly used in nuclear medicine imaging procedures like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans, while iodine-131 is utilized in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
400
Explain how the chain reaction works in nuclear fission reactors.
In a chain reaction, when one atomic nucleus splits (fissions), it releases neutrons, which can then split other nearby nuclei, releasing more neutrons and causing a chain reaction.
400
Describe one method used to decontaminate individuals or objects contaminated with radioactive materials.
Decontamination methods may include washing with soap and water, using special decontamination solutions, or using mechanical methods like scrubbing or scraping.
400
You’re at a fork in the road in which one direction leads to the City of Lies (where everyone always lies) and the other to the City of Truth (where everyone always tells the truth). There’s a person at the fork who lives in one of the cities, but you’re not sure which one. What question could you ask the person to find out which road leads to the City of Truth?
“Which direction do you live?” Someone from the City of Lies will lie and point to the City of Truth; someone from the City of Truth would tell the truth and also point to the City of Truth.
500
Connect the dose of radiation to the effect it has on people
500
How are radioisotopes utilized in agriculture to enhance crop production and ensure food safety? Describe a method or application where radioisotopes contribute to agricultural practices.
Radioisotopes are used in agriculture for tasks such as soil fertility studies, pest control, and food safety assessments. One application is the use of carbon-14 (^14C) in carbon dating to determine the age of soil organic matter, aiding in understanding soil fertility dynamics and management.
500
Describe one major challenge scientists face in achieving practical nuclear fusion as a reliable source of energy.
One major challenge is creating and maintaining the extreme conditions necessary for fusion, such as high temperature and pressure, as well as containing the hot plasma without losing too much energy to the surroundings.
500
What is the "radiation protection triangle"?
The guiding method of radiation safety, with the following key principles:
- Time: Minimizing the duration of exposure to radiation.
- Distance: Increasing the distance from the radiation source to reduce exposure.
- Shielding: Using barriers (such as lead or concrete) to block or attenuate radiation.
500
Four people are crossing a bridge at night, so they all need a torch—but they just have one that only lasts 15 minutes. Alice can cross in one minute, Ben in two minutes, Cindy in five minutes and Don in eight minutes. No more than two people can cross at a time; and when two cross, they have to go at the slower person’s pace. How do they get across in 15 minutes?
Alice and Ben cross first in two minutes, and Alice crosses back alone with the torch in one minute. Then the two slowest people, Cindy and Don, cross in eight minutes. Ben returns in two minutes, and Alice and Ben return in two minutes. They just made it in 15 minutes exactly.