5.2.4

Background Radiation

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Background Radiation

Background radiation is the low-level radiation that is always present in the environment, coming from natural sources and artificial sources.

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 Cosmic raysIllustrative background for Cosmic rays ?? "content

Cosmic rays

  • Cosmic rays are high-energy particles from outer space that enter the Earth’s atmosphere and contribute to background radiation.
    • They come from the Sun and from other distant stars.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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