Background Radiation
Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 7.2.13
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.
Rocks
- Rocks like granite contain small amounts of uranium salts.
- Over time, the uranium decays, releasing other radioactive nuclei.
Food
- Fruits high in potassium, like bananas, are very slightly radioactive.
Radon
- Radon is a gas that emits alpha particles.
- If we breathe in alpha particles, alpha radiation will reach our lung tissue.
The sun
- The sun emits some ionising radiation
Test yourself on Background Radiation
What is the radioactive component in rocks?
Which of the following are true of background radiation?