GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

622 videos | 38 hours

Irradiation & Radiation Type

Please subscribe to watch this video.

This, and all other videos, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos.

Atomic structure Atoms and nuclear radiation

Irradiation & Radiation Type

2:34 Contamination and Irradiation
Spec 4.4.2.4
Previous Protection from Irradiation Next Unstable Nuclei
  • Alpha radiation is not very dangerous outside the body due to its low range and penetration power.
  • Alpha radiation consists of a helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons.
  • Alpha radiation from distant sources isn't dangerous as it can't travel far through air.
  • Even nearby alpha radiation isn't very dangerous as it can't penetrate the skin.
  • Inside the body, alpha radiation is extremely dangerous due to its high ionization ability.
  • Alpha sources can contaminate the body through ingestion, respiration, or injection.
  • Alpha particles are very ionizing due to their large mass and charge, causing concentrated damage in a small area.
  • Alpha particles stop at the first tissue they encounter, causing irreversible damage to organs.
  • Beta and gamma radiation are dangerous outside the body as they can easily reach and penetrate the body.
  • Gamma radiation is an electromagnetic wave from an excited nucleus and can pass through the body.
  • Beta radiation is a free electron emitted from a nucleus and can penetrate skin and tissue but is stopped by bone.
  • Both beta and gamma radiation can ionize organs and large amounts of tissue as they pass through the body.
  • Inside the body, gamma and beta radiation are not very dangerous due to their low ionization ability.
  • Gamma radiation easily leaves the body, resulting in less ionization as most energy exits the body.
  • Ionization from gamma and beta radiation is spread out, affecting all tissue rather than just nearby tissue.
  • In exams, it is important to describe why certain types of radiation pose more risk than others depending on their use.

Please subscribe to access these revision notes.

This, and all other video notes, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos and revision notes.