Gamma Rays Worksheet
List and briefly describe at least three examples of technologies that rely on gamma radiation.
1. nuclear power-- uses uranium as fuel 2. radiation therapy cancer treatment uses radiation to kill cancer cells 3. irradiators use radiation to kill bacteria and pathogens in food
Identify five sources of man-made radiation.
1. use of x-rays and CAT scans 2. radiopharmaceuticals 3. nuclear power 4. security screening 5. radiation therapy for cancer
Which type of gamma radiation is most dangerous to humans? Why? What are the potential risks?
Large doses of gamma radiation are most dangerous to humans because it can penetrate all tissues and destroy or damage DNA. In a large dose, some cells won't recover from the damage and will become cancerous-- can also cause birth defects if pregnant.
What is radon? Is radon man-made or naturally occurring? What are the risks of exposure radon?
a radonis a natural radiation caused from the decay of radium and radium is found in rocks and soil. Accumulation of radon in buildings is dangerous and is the second leading cause of lung cancer
On the atomic level, what change occurs when proactinium-234 turns into uranium-234? How can you tell by the names of the elements?
alpha decay must occur because the element is changing which means it lost a proton thereby changing the element itself. Gained 1 neutron
Compare and contrast the alpha, beta, and gamma radiation in terms of charge, mass, ability to penetrate various materials, and effects on human body.
alpha is positively charged, made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, has the biggest mass, can't penetrate skin but dangerous is ingested (can damage sensitive living tissue) Beta is negatively charges, made up of electron, less mass, more penetrating but can be stopped by clothing or a thing layer of substance like aluminum, some are capable of penetrating the skin and causing damage such as skin burns. Hazardous if inhaled or swallowed. it is less damaging to tissue and living DNA than alpha. Gamma: No charge, no mass, can easily penetrate barriers like skin and clothing, can go several inches into a dense material and even a few feet of concrete are needed to stop them. Can move completely through human body and can damage tissue and DNA with ionizations-- they cause cancer.
Compare and contrast the alpha, beta, and gamma radiation in terms of the effect that each has on the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom
alpha radiation is an ejection of part of the nucleus so the atom loses neutrons and protons. Beta radiation is an ejection of an electron. Gamma radiation has no mass, is just energy and is released during alpha or beta decay.
On the atomic level, what change occurs when uranium-234 turns into thorium-230? How can you tell by the names of the elements?
another example of alpha decay changes in element is from losing 2 protons and the atomic number changes because it loses two neutrons in addition to the protons
Compare and contrast gamma rays and x-rays in terms of energy, frequency, wavelength, ability to penetrate various materials, and uses.
gamma rays and x-rays are both photons of pure energy. x-rays are emitted from outside the nucleus while gamma rays originate inside the nucleus. x-rays have less energy, penetrate less deep into human cells, have longer wavelengths, and lower frequency.
What does it mean for radiation to be "ionizing?"
ionization can affect the atoms in living things by damaging tissues corrupting DNA. This radiation liberated electrons from atoms, thereby ionizing them.Ionization is the process by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons to form ions, often in conjunction with other chemical changes.
