gamma

• gamma radiation is not a particle but an

  electromagnetic wave

  
• when the nucleus is unstable neutrons are released as gamma radiation in the form of

  pure energy
• gamma radiation is what charge

  neutral
• gamma radiation is the least ionising
• gamma radiation is the what radiation

  fastest
• gamma radiation is is stopped by

  lead and very thick concrete

  
• explain the size of gamma radiation compared to others

  smallest

  
• compare gamma radiation in terms of weight

  lightest
• what is the range of gamma radiation

  unlimited
• what is the penetration of gamma radiation it is the

  most penetrating
• gamma radiation is used to

  irradiate food
• why irradiating food makes it safer to eat

  • it kills reduces food poisoning
  • it kills bacteria that produces toxins
• why is gamma radiation used to irradiate food rather than alpha or beta radiation

  • it is the most penetrating making it easier to kill bacteria
  • it is the least ionising preventing the food from becoming radioactive

  
• a tracer uses

  gamma radition
• a tracer uses gamma radiation because it is

  very penetrating

  least ionising

  easily detected
• a tracer can detect infected kidney by

  accumulating the infected kidney for a longer period of time

  this is detected using a gamma camera
• if gamma radiation is least ionising it causes

  less damage
• how is gamma radiation is used in checking for leaks in water pipes

  • Water supplies are contaminated to find leaks in pipes.
  • Contaminated water seeps into the ground, where there is a leak.
  • Causing a build-up of gamma emissions in that area.
  • This can be found using a Geiger-Muller tube.

  
• WE USE GAMMA RADIATION BECAUSE IT IS MUCH

  easier to decide where to dig to find the leak without having to dig along the whole length of the pipe.

  
• to find leaks in water the isotope used must be

  • be a gamma emitter to penetrate the ground and road surface
  • have a half-life of at least several days to allow the emissions to build up in the soil but not too long so that exposure is limited not be poisonous to humans as it will form part of the water supply.