| The process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation. | Irradiation |
| What is irradiation? | Irradiation is the process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation. |
| Radiation with enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, forming ions. | Ionizing Radiation |
| What can ionizing radiation do to the DNA of living organisms? | Ionizing radiation can damage the DNA of living organisms. |
| A change in the DNA sequence of a gene or chromosome. | Mutation |
| What can the damage to DNA by ionizing radiation lead to? | The damage to DNA by ionizing radiation can lead to mutations, which can cause cancer. |
| A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. | Cancer |
| What can high doses of radiation do to cells and tissues? | High doses of radiation can damage and destroy cells and tissues. |
| A container made of lead used to shield radioactive sources and prevent radiation exposure. | Lead Box |
| How can we reduce the dangers of irradiation when handling radioactive sources? | We can reduce the dangers of irradiation by keeping radioactive sources in lead boxes or using barriers. |
| The length of time a person or object is exposed to radiation. | Exposure Time |
| How can we lower the risk of radiation exposure? | We can lower the risk of radiation exposure by reducing the time exposed to radiation. |
| The process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. | Radioactive Decay |
| What happens to the nuclei of irradiated objects? | An irradiated object doesn't become radioactive; in other words, the nuclei of irradiated objects don't become unstable and decay. |
| The process by which radioactive material is deposited on an object or a person. | Contamination |
| What happens if radioactive material gets on an object? | If radioactive material gets on an object, the object becomes contaminated. |
| Instances where radioactive material gets on objects or persons, such as breathing in radioactive dust or gas, or having radioactive material stuck on clothing. | Examples of Contamination |
| What are examples of contamination? | Examples of contamination include breathing in radioactive dust or gas, or radioactive material getting stuck on clothing |
| An object that has become radioactive due to contamination by radioactive material. | Radioactive Object |
| What happens to an object when it becomes contaminated? | If an object gets contaminated, it becomes radioactive because the contaminating atoms decay and release radiation. |
| The degree of damage or danger caused by exposure to radiation. | Level of Harm |
| What determines the level of harm caused by contamination? | The level of harm caused by contamination depends on the type of radiation. |
| Precautions taken to reduce the risk of exposure to radioactive materials, such as wearing masks and protective clothing. | Protective Measures |
| How can the risk of contamination be lowered when working with radioactive materials? | Wearing masks and protective clothing when working with radioactive materials can lower the risk of contamination. |
| The amount of radiation energy absorbed by a person or object. | Radiation Dose |
| What does the amount of harm done by nuclear radiation depend on? | The amount of harm done by nuclear radiation depends on the size of the dose someone receives. |
| The likelihood or probability of experiencing negative effects or injury. | Risk of Harm |
| How does the risk of harm change with the size of the radiation dose received? | The higher the dose received, the greater the risk of harm. |
| A device worn by individuals working with radioactive materials to measure the amount of radiation exposure. | Dosimeter Badge |
| What do people who work with radioactive material wear to monitor their radiation exposure? | People who work with radioactive material wear dosimeter badges that monitor how much radiation they're exposed to. |
| The practice of increasing the distance between oneself and a radioactive source to minimize radiation exposure. | Distance Maximization |
| How do individuals working with radioactive material maximize the distance between themselves and any radioactive source? | They maximize the distance between themselves and any radioactive source, for example, by using tongs. |
| The practice of minimizing the amount of time exposed to nuclear radiation. | Exposure Time Minimization |
| How do individuals minimize their exposure time to nuclear radiation? | They minimize the amount of time they're exposed to nuclear radiation. |
| An evaluation of the potential benefits and risks associated with a particular action or treatment. | Benefit-Risk Assessment |
| When are radioactive sources used for treatment or diagnosis? | Radioactive sources are only used for treatment or diagnosis when the benefits outweigh the risks. |
| The use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control or kill malignant cells. | Radiation Therapy |
| What is done to ensure patients receive the smallest possible amount of radiation during treatment? | The smallest possible amount of radiation needed to treat patients is used. |
| The time it takes for the radioactivity of a substance to decrease to half its initial value. | Half-Life |
| Why do radioactive sources used in treatment tend to have short half-lives? | The sources used also tend to have short half-lives to reduce exposure time. |
| Exposure to radiation from an external source. | Radiation Irradiation |
| What makes irradiation from beta and gamma radiation more dangerous than alpha radiation? | Beta and gamma radiation can penetrate further into materials (including into the body). |
| The distance that radiation can travel through a material before being absorbed. | Penetration Depth |
| Why is it less dangerous to be irradiated by alpha radiation? | This is because alpha radiation is easily blocked by barriers, including the skin. |
| The presence of radioactive materials on surfaces or within the body. | Contamination |
| Why is it more dangerous to be contaminated with a source of alpha radiation if it enters your body? | Inside of the body, alpha particles can damage your cells. |
| What risk do beta and gamma radiation pose compared to alpha radiation? | Beta and gamma radiation pose a lower contamination risk than alpha radiation. |
