Flashcards
Radioactivity Safety
Cards in this deck (7)
- 1How does radiation harm cells?They enter a living cell and collide with molecules
- 2How is Cancer formed?Radiation causing a rise in mutant cells which divide uncontrollably
- 3How do people get radiation sickness?When a high dose of radiation kills the cells completely
- 4What two things does the extent of the harmful effects depend on, with radiation?1) How much exposure you have to the radiation
2) The energy and penetration of the radiation - 5Why are alpha particles much less dangerous than beta or gamma, to humans outside the body?Beta and gamma particles can get inside to the delicate organs, whereas alpha particles can penetrate the skin
- 6Why are alpha particles most dangerous when inside the human body?The do all their damage in a located area, whereas beta and gamma rays pass straight out of the body, without doing much damage
- 7Give six ways of safety precautions to using radiation1) Use radiation for a short time to keep exposure to a minimum
2) Never allow skin contact
3) Hold it at arms length to keep it as far away as possible, meaning the amount of radiation that hits you, especially alpha particles, will be minimal
4) Keep the source pointed away from the body and avoid eye contact
5) Use lead safety equipment as lead absorbs radiation, protecting you
6) When using x-ray, the only part of the body needing the x-ray should be on show