AQA · Physics · 8463
GCSE Physics: Radioactive contamination
Atomic structure · AQA GCSE Physics (8463), specification point 4.4.2.4. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Radioactive contamination", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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Define radioactive contamination.
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The unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials.
Define irradiation.
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The process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation.
Does an irradiated object become radioactive?
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No. Irradiation exposes the object to radiation but does not leave radioactive atoms on it, so it does not become radioactive.
What causes the hazard from radioactive contamination?
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The decay of the contaminating radioactive atoms, which emit radiation.
What determines the level of hazard from radioactive contamination?
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The type of radiation emitted by the contaminating atoms (alpha, beta or gamma).
What is the key difference between contamination and irradiation?
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Contamination leaves radioactive atoms on the object (so it keeps emitting radiation); irradiation only exposes the object to radiation and it does not become radioactive.
Why can contamination be a longer-lasting hazard than irradiation?
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The contaminating atoms stay on or in the object and continue to decay, whereas irradiation stops as soon as the object is removed from the source.
Irradiation is the process of exposing an object to ?.
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nuclear radiation
Radioactive contamination is the unwanted presence of materials containing ? on other materials.
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radioactive atoms
Why should findings of studies on radiation's effects on humans be published and shared?
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So that other scientists can check the findings through peer review.
Published findings on the effects of radiation on humans can be checked by other scientists through ?.
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peer review
Why are precautions needed when using a radioactive source for irradiation?
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The source itself presents a radiation hazard to people nearby, even though the irradiated object does not become radioactive.
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