GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Radiation Dose

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Atomic structure Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation

Radiation Dose

3:24 Background Radiation
Spec 4.4.3.1 4.4.3.3
Previous Background Radiation & Count Rate Next Background Radiation Dose
  • Radiation dose measures exposure to radiation.
  • Dose determined by radiation intensity and exposure.
  • Measured in sieverts (Sv), but exact value not needed for exams.
  • Small dose from eating a banana (~0.0001 mSv), low risk.
  • Medium dose from X-ray (~0.1 mSv), limit procedures.
  • High dose in nuclear power plants, limit to 50 mSv/year.
  • 1000 mSv equals 1 Sv.
  • Low doses don't harm cells but increase cancer risk.
  • Medium doses can kill cells, increase cancer risk, but not fatal.
  • High doses likely fatal, damage gut and bone marrow.
  • Large doses observed in Chernobyl, damaging organs beyond repair.
  • Track radiation dose to avoid long-term damage.
  • Low dose: <10 mSv, slight cancer risk increase.
  • Medium dose: 10-1000 mSv, short-term cell damage, higher cancer risk.
  • High dose: 1-4 Sv, likely fatal damage.
  • Very high dose: >10 Sv, guaranteed fatal damage.
  • Aim to keep radiation dose at low levels.
  • Understand effects of dose size qualitatively or quantitatively.

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