Uses of Ionising Radiation Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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How does a smoke alarm use ionising radiation to detect smoke?

It uses an alpha source to ionise the air and make a small current. Smoke blocks the alpha, the current falls, and the alarm sounds.

Why is gamma radiation used as a medical tracer?

Gamma rays can pass out of the body to a detector. They are less ionising than alpha or beta. A short half-life keeps the dose low.

What features make a safe radioactive tracer for the body?

It should emit gamma, have a short half-life, be non-toxic, and be removed from the body quickly.

How does external radiotherapy treat a tumour?

A gamma beam is aimed at the tumour. High doses kill the cancer cells. Beams from different angles reduce harm to healthy tissue.

What is internal radiotherapy and which radiation is often used?

A small radioactive source is placed inside or next to the tumour. It often emits beta, which kills nearby cells but does not travel far.

How does gamma radiation sterilise medical equipment?

Strong gamma rays kill bacteria and spores. Sealed items can be sterilised in their packaging. The items do not become radioactive.

Why do some foods get irradiated with gamma rays?

Gamma rays kill microbes that make food spoil. This helps food last longer. The food does not become radioactive.

How is beta radiation used to control the thickness of paper or foil?

A beta source and detector are placed on either side of the sheet. If the sheet is too thick, fewer beta particles get through, so the rollers adjust. Beta is used because it is partly absorbed.

How can gamma radiation help find a leak in an underground pipe?

A safe gamma-emitting tracer is added to the fluid. A detector above ground shows a higher count where the tracer leaks out.

How is gamma radiation used to check metal parts or welds for cracks?

A gamma source is put on one side and film or a detector on the other. More rays pass through a crack, so it shows as a dark line.

How can gamma radiation be used to measure the level of liquid in a tank?

A gamma source and detector are set at a chosen height. If liquid is between them, the count falls. This can switch filling on or off automatically.

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