4.2.23

Radioactive Contamination & Irradiation

Test yourself

Radioactive Contamination and Irradiation

Contamination is when radioactive substances occur from inside something. Irradiation is when something is exposed to radiation on its outside.

Illustrative background for ContaminationIllustrative background for Contamination ?? "content

Contamination

  • Radioactive contamination is when radioactive atoms or molecules get onto other materials.
  • Contamination is harmful because contaminating atoms decay.
  • How harmful the contamination is, depends on the type of radiation the atoms emit.
  • Contaminated atoms are likely to continue to decay. This could harm you if this happens on your skin.
Illustrative background for IrradiationIllustrative background for Irradiation ?? "content

Irradiation

  • Objects near to radioactive sources are irradiated by them.
  • So irradiation is simply exposure to nuclear radiation.
  • When a radioactive source irradiates an object, the object does not become radioactive.
  • We can reduce irradiation by standing behind lead or storing radioactive material in lead-lined boxes.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson