Ionising and Non-ionising Radiation

8. 3  Ionising and Non-ionising Radiation

 

Ionising radiation

Non-ionising radiation

- Ionising radiation contains a higher energy content and causes electrons to be released from the atoms or molecules it irradiates

- Examples of ionising radiation are alpha radiation, beta radiation, and gamma radiation

- Non-ionising radiation has a lower energy content and cannot release electrons from the atoms or molecules it illuminates

- Examples of non-ionising radiation are radio waves, microwaves, and infrared

 The characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma rays:

Characteristics

Alpha (α)

Particle size

Big

Charge

Positive

Ionising power

High

Penetrating power

Low

Deflection by magnetic fields

Deflection by an electric field

 

Beta (β)

Gamma (γ)

Small

None

Negative

Neutral

Medium

Low

Medium

High

 

Sources of ionising radiation:

  • Sources of ionising radiation are divided into natural sources and man-made sources

  • Sources of natural ionising radiation include cosmic radiation and background radiation

  • Cosmic radiation is radiation emitted continuously from outer space that can cause interference with weather and communication systems

  • Background radiation is radiation that is present everywhere but the level varies due to solar radiation and the presence of radon-222 gas (radioactive gas in the air)

  • Measured in microSievert units/hour (µSv/h)

  • Nuclear test and nuclear accident at Chernobyl April 1986 is a source of man-made ionising radiation

 Exposure to ionising radiation and safety measures:

Radioactive effects

Security measures

- Destruction of cells or tissues in the body

- Genetic mutations that may cause tumor growth and cancer

- Infertility

- The skin burns and becomes blind

- Limb deformity and death for severe cases

- Chopsticks should be used to hold and transfer radioactive sources

- Radioactive material should be stored in lead containers

- Workers in radioactive laboratories must wear radioactive warning badges and special protective clothing made of lead rubber

- Lead shields can be used to protect users from radioactive radiation

- Radioactive waste must be handled properly so that it is safer and does not cause environmental pollution

 

Ionising and Non-ionising Radiation

8. 3  Ionising and Non-ionising Radiation

 

Ionising radiation

Non-ionising radiation

- Ionising radiation contains a higher energy content and causes electrons to be released from the atoms or molecules it irradiates

- Examples of ionising radiation are alpha radiation, beta radiation, and gamma radiation

- Non-ionising radiation has a lower energy content and cannot release electrons from the atoms or molecules it illuminates

- Examples of non-ionising radiation are radio waves, microwaves, and infrared

 The characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma rays:

Characteristics

Alpha (α)

Particle size

Big

Charge

Positive

Ionising power

High

Penetrating power

Low

Deflection by magnetic fields

Deflection by an electric field

 

Beta (β)

Gamma (γ)

Small

None

Negative

Neutral

Medium

Low

Medium

High

 

Sources of ionising radiation:

  • Sources of ionising radiation are divided into natural sources and man-made sources

  • Sources of natural ionising radiation include cosmic radiation and background radiation

  • Cosmic radiation is radiation emitted continuously from outer space that can cause interference with weather and communication systems

  • Background radiation is radiation that is present everywhere but the level varies due to solar radiation and the presence of radon-222 gas (radioactive gas in the air)

  • Measured in microSievert units/hour (µSv/h)

  • Nuclear test and nuclear accident at Chernobyl April 1986 is a source of man-made ionising radiation

 Exposure to ionising radiation and safety measures:

Radioactive effects

Security measures

- Destruction of cells or tissues in the body

- Genetic mutations that may cause tumor growth and cancer

- Infertility

- The skin burns and becomes blind

- Limb deformity and death for severe cases

- Chopsticks should be used to hold and transfer radioactive sources

- Radioactive material should be stored in lead containers

- Workers in radioactive laboratories must wear radioactive warning badges and special protective clothing made of lead rubber

- Lead shields can be used to protect users from radioactive radiation

- Radioactive waste must be handled properly so that it is safer and does not cause environmental pollution