Uses & Dangers of Radiation (Edexcel GCSE Physics: Combined Science)

Exposure to ionising radiation can be dangerous.

Identify why it could be dangerous by placing ticks (✔) in the table next to the correct options.

To mitigate the risks associated with radiation exposure there are some safe practices that should be adopted. 

Complete the sentences using the correct scientific words or statements.

• Radioactive sources should be kept in a ___________ when not in use, for example, a lead-lined box
• Radioactive materials should only be handled when wearing ___________, and with ___________ to increase the distance from them
• It may be appropriate to wear ___________ to prevent the body from becoming contaminated
• The ___________ that a radioactive source is being used for should be ___________

The following sentences explain the differences between short half-life values and long half-life values.

Circle the correct word word or phrase in each sentence. 

If an isotope has a short half-life it will decay very slowly / very quickly

Sources with long half-life values present a risk of contamination for a much longer / shorter time

If a large / small amount of isotope with a short half-life is used then the levels of radiation emitted could be extremely dangerous

Different equipment is available to protect people from irradiation and contamination. 

Suggest one piece of equipment that can protect from irradiation and one that can protect from contamination. 

There are several units used with radioactivity.

Match the unit to its correct use by drawing lines between them. 

A professor has split ink all over his notes on half-life and risk and there are now words missing.

Complete the sentences for him by filling in the gaps using the words from the box. 

Each answer can be used once, more than once or not at all.

If an isotope has a short half-life, the nuclei will decay very .................... . This means that the isotope will emit a lot of radiation in a short amount of time.

If only a small amount of the isotope is used, having a short half-life can be advantageous, as the material will quickly lose its .................... .

If a large amount is used, however, the levels of radiation emitted could make handling the isotope extremely .................... .

If an isotope has a long half-life then a sample of it will decay .................... . Although it may not emit a lot of radiation, it will remain radioactive for a very long time.

Sources with long half-life values present a risk of .................... for a much longer time.

There are several uses of radiation for medical treatment. 

Identify the use of each type of treatment. 

State the two particles involved in annihilation during Positron Emission Tomography.