Question

1. List the three types of radioactive decay and specifically what particles are released from the nucleus during these decays.

2. Radioactivity exists naturally and is man made. Radioactive particles are used for a variety of purposes in industry and medicine. Provide a list of at least 3 unique uses of radioactivity for the benefit of mankind.

3. Many workers are exposed to radioactivity while on the job. These workers must be monitored and are not allowed to continue to work in certain positions once an exposure amount has been met. What are the three parameters associated with an increase of dose on the worker? How could this dose possibly be minimized?

Answer 1

1)Three main types of radioactive decay are

alpha , Beta and gamma

A)alpha particles contains high energy helium nucleus, it have 2 protons and 2 neutron s

B) beta radiation are beam of electrons maving at high speed. It causes increase in one proton in the nucleus front which it is emitted

C) gamma radiation are electromagnetic wave like light with energy. It does not cause any change in the mass or charge of nucleus from which it is emitted.

2)SOME benefits of radioactivity for mankind are

a) source of energy as heat and electricity (nuclear reactors)

b) treatment of diseases like cancer (radiation therapy)

c) diagnostic techniques like X ray MRI etc.

3) various parameters for dose of radiation are used to monitor radiation and their effect on human beings. Natural background radiation, annual radiation absorbed, energy absorbed or induced are some of them .

There should be a regular monitoring of such areas and various other steps to reduce exposure to radiation such as setting limits of doae for worker,careful transit and identification of radioactive material s. Labelling of areas of high radiation.