AQA · Physics · 8463
GCSE Physics: Uses of nuclear radiation
Atomic structure · AQA GCSE Physics (8463), specification point 4.4.3.3. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Uses of nuclear radiation", and every card links back to the page it came from. Separate science only. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
7 flashcards · Free to study · No account needed
Study this deck
Preparing your cards…
All questions and answers
Read through the full deck, or practise recalling each answer above.
What are the two main medical uses of nuclear radiation?
Show answer
Exploring internal organs (e.g. with tracers) and controlling or destroying unwanted tissue (e.g. tumours).
In medicine, nuclear radiation is used for the exploration of ?.
Show answer
internal organs
In medicine, nuclear radiation is used to control or destroy ?.
Show answer
unwanted tissue
Give an example of 'unwanted tissue' destroyed using nuclear radiation.
Show answer
Cancerous tumour cells — radiation (radiotherapy) kills the cells so the tumour shrinks or is destroyed.
How is nuclear radiation used to explore an internal organ?
Show answer
A radioactive tracer is put into the body; the radiation it emits is detected from outside to image how the organ is working.
Why must a medical tracer emit gamma radiation rather than alpha?
Show answer
Gamma penetrates out of the body so it can be detected externally; alpha would be absorbed inside and cause damage without being detected.
What should the perceived risks of using nuclear radiation be judged against?
Show answer
Actual data on the risk and the consequences of the choice — i.e. weigh the measured harm against the benefit of the treatment or diagnosis.
Want to create your own cards? Create a free account. AI generation uses credits.