| An isotope of an element that has an unstable nucleus and undergoes radioactive decay. | Radioactive Isotope |
| What is the characteristic of the activity of a radioactive isotope as it approaches zero? | It will never reach zero. |
| The process of quantifying the decrease in radioactivity of a radioactive substance over time, typically measured using its half-life. | Decay Measurement |
| How is the decrease in radioactivity of a substance usually measured? | Using the half-life. |
| The time it takes for the activity or number of nuclei of a radioactive isotope to decrease by half. | Half-life |
| What does the term "half-life" refer to in the context of radioactive isotopes? | It is the time taken for the number of nuclei or the activity of the isotope to halve |
| The span of time durations over which the half-life values of radioactive isotopes can vary. | Range of Half-life |
| What is the range of half-life values for radioactive isotopes? | It can range from less than 1 second to more than 10,000 years. |
| A characteristic of radioactive isotopes with a slow rate of decay, resulting in a gradual decrease in radioactivity over time. | Long Half-life |
| What is the consequence of a long half-life for a radioactive isotope? | It will remain dangerous for an extended period. |
| A characteristic of radioactive isotopes with a rapid rate of decay, resulting in a quick decrease in radioactivity over time. | Short Half-life |
| What is the impact of a short half-life for a radioactive isotope? | It emits a large amount of radiation in a short period. |
| Materials or substances that emit radiation due to the presence of unstable atomic nuclei, often used in various applications. | Radioactive Sources |
| How are radioactive sources utilized in medicine? | They can be used for irradiating and killing cancer cells, sterilizing medical equipment, and diagnosing diseases such as cancer. |
| High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay. | Gamma Rays |
| How do gamma rays contribute to medical procedures? | They are used to irradiate and kill cancer cells and to sterilize medical equipment. |
| Healthy cells in the body that are not cancerous or diseased. | Normal Cells |
| What effect can gamma rays have on nearby normal cells during medical procedures? | They can harm nearby normal cells. |
| What precaution should be taken regarding exposure to gamma rays during medical procedures? | It is safest to have as little exposure to these rays as possible. |
| Radioactive substances introduced into the body to aid in medical diagnosis or treatment, allowing visualization of internal structures or processes. | Radioactive Tracers |
| How are radioactive sources sometimes used in diagnosing diseases? | They are injected into the body as radioactive tracers to help diagnose diseases such as cancer. |
| Techniques and technologies used to create visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. | Medical Imaging |
| What medical procedure allows doctors to track the progress of radioactive tracers in the body? | Medical imaging allows doctors to follow the progress of the radiation around the body. |
| How does the use of radioactive tracers facilitate diagnostic procedures? | It allows exploration of internal organs without the need for invasive procedures such as surgery. |
| Potential harmful effects associated with exposure to radiation, including , increased risk of cancer, and other health problems. | Radiation Risks |
| What risks are associated with using radiation in medicine? | Radiation exposure can lead to cell mutation, cancer development, and other health issues. |
| The process of choosing the appropriate half-life for a radioactive substance used in medical procedures, balancing effectiveness and potential harm. | Half-Life Selection |
| Why is it important to select the right half-life for radioactive substances used in medicine? | It must be long enough to be effective but not long enough to cause damage to the body. |
| Radiation with sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, resulting in the formation of ions and potential cellular damage. | Ionizing Radiation |
| Why is alpha radiation particularly dangerous when inside the body? | It is highly ionizing and can cause significant damage to cells and tissues. |
| What factors must be considered by doctors and patients regarding the use of radiation in medicine? | They must weigh the benefits against the risks and consider factors such as radiation type, dose, and potential harm. |
| Materials that emit radiation due to the decay of unstable atomic nuclei. | Radioactive Sources |
| What are some uses of radioactive sources besides medicine? | Radioactive sources are used in smoke alarms, industrial gauges, and radiography. |
| Devices that detect the presence of smoke, typically by using a radioactive source and a detector. | Smoke Alarms |
| How do smoke alarms containing alpha radiation sources work? | Alpha particles emitted by the source are absorbed by smoke, disrupting the detection process and triggering the alarm. |
| A type of radiation consisting of alpha particles, which are helium nuclei containing two protons and two neutrons. | Alpha Radiation |
| Why do alpha particles trigger smoke alarms? | Smoke absorbs alpha particles, preventing them from reaching the detector, which activates the alarm to signal the presence of smoke and potential fire. |
| High-energy, high-speed electrons emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom during beta decay. | Beta Radiation |
| How are beta radiation sources utilized in industrial processes like paper production? | They are used to check the thickness of certain materials as they're made, such as paper. |
| The process of determining the depth or width of an object or material. | Thickness Measurement |
| What happens if the paper being made is too thick in the context of beta radiation thickness measurement? | More beta particles will be absorbed, and fewer will reach the detector. |
| A device used to detect the presence, absence, or quantity of certain substances or events. | Detector |
| What action does the machine take if the paper being made is too thick? | It adjusts the rollers slightly closer together to make the paper thinner. |
| What happens if the paper being made is too thin according to the beta radiation thickness measurement? | Fewer beta particles will be absorbed, and more will reach the detector. |
| How does the machine adjust the thickness of the paper if it's too thin? | It adjusts the rollers to make the paper thicker. |
| High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay. | Gamma Radiation |
| What are gamma radiation sources used for in food processing? | Gamma radiation sources are used to sterilize food by killing microorganisms. |
| The process of killing or removing all forms of life, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from an object or environment. | Sterilization |
| How does gamma radiation sterilize food? | Gamma radiation easily penetrates airtight containers, killing microorganisms present in the food without making it radioactive. |
| To expose something to radiation, typically for sterilization or treatment purposes. | Irradiate |
| What happens to the food during the gamma irradiation process? | The food is exposed to gamma radiation from a source, effectively sterilizing it by killing any microorganisms present. |
| A container that is completely sealed to prevent the entry or escape of air, gases, or liquids. | Airtight Container |
| Does gamma irradiation make the food radioactive? | No, gamma irradiation does not make the food radioactive; it simply sterilizes it without contaminating it. |
