What is an example of alpha radiation?
Examples of some alpha emitters: radium, radon, uranium, thorium. Beta radiation is a light, short-range particle and is actually an ejected electron.
What safety precautions should be taken when working with alpha radiation?
These include:
- keeping radioactive sources shielded when not in use, for example in a lead-lined box.
- wearing protective clothing to prevent the body becoming contaminated.
- limiting exposure time so less time is spent with radioactive materials.
- handling radioactive materials with tongs to increase the distance from them.
What particle is emitted in alpha radiation?
Alpha decay or α-decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and thereby transforms or ‘decays’ into a different atomic nucleus, with a mass number that is reduced by four and an atomic number that is reduced by two.
Why do alpha particles become harmless when used in a smoke detector?
Smoke detectors When smoke enters between the plates, some of the alpha particles are absorbed causing less ionisation to take place. This means a smaller than normal current flows so the alarm sounds. An alpha source is used because alpha radiation does not penetrate very far.
What are the dangers of alpha radiation?
If alpha-emitters are inhaled, swallowed, or get into the body through a cut, the alpha particles can damage sensitive living tissue. The way these large, heavy particles cause damage makes them more dangerous than other types of radiation.
What safety precautions are required when using nuclear radiation?
You can work safely around radiation and/or contamination by following a few simple precautions:
- Use time, distance, shielding, and containment to reduce exposure.
- Wear dosimeters (e.g., film or TLD badges) if issued.
- Avoid contact with the contamination.
- Wear protective clothing that, if contaminated, can be removed.
What is a possible risk to health caused by using a radioactive source?
Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness”). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Why it is an advantage for the alpha emitter in the smoke alarm to have a long half life?
Alpha radiation ionises the air and this allows a small current to flow between two electrodes. Alpha is weakly penetrating so smoke stops it, the current drops and the alarm goes off. The isotope should be an alpha emitter with a long half-life. This means the smoke alarm will not need to be changed daily.
Why is americium used in smoke detectors?
Ionization smoke detectors use americium as a source of alpha particles. Alpha particles from the americium source ionize air molecules. This makes some particles positively charged and some negatively charged. Because of this shielding, the smoke detector poses no radiation health risk when they are properly handled.
What are the dangers of alpha and gamma radiation?
Gamma rays are the most harmful external hazard. Beta particles can partially penetrate skin, causing “beta burns”. Alpha particles cannot penetrate intact skin. Gamma and x-rays can pass through a person damaging cells in their path.