4.2.4

Background Radiation

Test yourself

Background Radiation

Unstable atoms (or isotopes) are very common. They even exist in our bodies. They decay radioactively and this means that we are always surrounded by background radiation.

Illustrative background for RocksIllustrative background for Rocks ?? "content

Rocks

  • Rocks like granite contain small amounts of uranium salts.
  • Over time, the uranium decays, releasing other radioactive nuclei.
Illustrative background for FoodIllustrative background for Food ?? "content

Food

  • Fruits high in potassium, like bananas, are very slightly radioactive.
Illustrative background for RadonIllustrative background for Radon ?? "content

Radon

  • Radon is a gas that emits alpha particles.
  • If we breathe in alpha particles, alpha radiation will reach our lung tissue.
Illustrative background for The sunIllustrative background for The sun ?? "content

The sun

  • The sun emits some ionising radiation

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

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