6.4 Uses and Dangers of Radioactivity

• The three types of radiation differ in their penetrating power, ionizing ability, and range in air
• Match the type of radioactive decay with its emitted particle:

  Alpha Decay ↔️ Alpha particle (helium nucleus)

  Beta Decay ↔️ Beta particle (high-energy electron)

  Gamma Decay ↔️ Gamma rays (high-energy electromagnetic radiation)
• Gamma rays are used in thickness measurement to ensure consistent product quality.


  True
• Match the type of radiation with its ionizing ability:

  Alpha Particles ↔️ High

  Beta Particles ↔️ Moderate

  Gamma Rays ↔️ Low
• Medical imaging uses radioactive tracers to create images of internal structures and processes
• What do radioactive tracers emit that allows special scanners to detect them?

  Radiation
• A key advantage of using radioactivity in medicine is its ability to perform non-invasive imaging.
• Order the steps involved in using radioactive tracers for medical imaging:

  1️⃣ Inject radioactive tracer

  2️⃣ Trace emits radiation

  3️⃣ Scanner detects radiation

  4️⃣ Image of internal structure is produced
• What is the primary purpose of food irradiation using gamma rays?

  Sterilization
• Match the environmental impact with its description:

  Contamination ↔️ Radioactive materials leak into the environment

  Biological Effects ↔️ Radiation damages DNA and cells

  Waste Management ↔️ Specialized disposal of radioactive waste
• Workers handling radioactive materials use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize direct exposure.
• Match the type of radiation with its definition:

  Alpha Particles ↔️ Helium nuclei (2 protons, 2 neutrons)

  Beta Particles ↔️ High-energy electrons

  Gamma Rays ↔️ High-energy electromagnetic waves
• Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from the nuclei of unstable
• Radiotherapy uses high-energy gamma rays or particle beams to destroy cancer
• Carbon dating measures the amount of carbon-14 in organic materials to determine their age
• The ionizing nature of radioactive emissions in medicine requires strict safety protocols.


  True
• What type of rays are commonly used in radiotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells?

  Gamma rays
• Match the medical use with its description:

  Imaging ↔️ Radioactive tracers injected for images of internal structures

  Radiotherapy ↔️ High-energy beams to destroy cancer cells
• Radioactive isotopes are injected into pipelines to detect leaks and map flow routes without excavation.


  True
• Environmental contamination from radioactivity can lead to biological effects such as increased cancer risk and genetic mutations.

  True
• Radioactive materials are stored in sealed, robust containers to prevent leaks or accidental release into the environment.


  True
• Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from the nuclei of unstable
• Order the three main types of radioactive decay based on their penetrating power, from lowest to highest:

  1️⃣ Alpha Decay

  2️⃣ Beta Decay

  3️⃣ Gamma Decay
• What type of medical application uses radioactive tracers to create images of internal structures?

  Medical Imaging
• What type of radiation is used in food irradiation to kill bacteria and insects?

  Gamma rays
• Order the three main types of radioactive decay based on their ionizing ability, from highest to lowest:

  1️⃣ Alpha Decay

  2️⃣ Beta Decay

  3️⃣ Gamma Decay
• What type of radiation is used in radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells?

  Gamma rays
• Radiotherapy uses high-energy gamma rays or particle beams to destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA.

  True
• What is a primary concern when using radioactivity in medicine due to its emissions?

  Ionizing nature
• What type of rays are used in thickness measurement to ensure product quality in industries?

  Gamma rays
• Carbon dating measures the amount of carbon-14 in organic materials to determine their age.
• What is the purpose of shielding in radioactive material handling?

  To block radiation
• Order the steps involved in emergency response to a radioactive spill:

  1️⃣ Evacuate the affected area

  2️⃣ Contain the spill

  3️⃣ Decontaminate the area

  4️⃣ Follow emergency response plans