IONISING RADIATION
What are the different types of ionising radiation? What is the difference between alpha, beta and gamma radiation? What is positron emission? Which of these types of radiation is the most dangerous to humans? How can those radioactive things hurt us big strong humans anyway? What is meant by half life? What is background radiation? Why are so many things radioactive? Why so many questions? Some of those questions are answered here! And possibly beyond here!
Which type of radioactive decay can we see?
Background Radiation
We live on a radioactive planet. The whole earth is a mass of heated radioactive magma and we pathetic humans live on its thin, active crust. From radioactive rocks to radioactive food. From radioactive gas in the ground and air to the fallout from nuclear bomb tests and cosmic rays from space, ionising radiation is everywhere, bombarding our bodies and entering our bones. Watch our most favourite video ever as Professor Ryan Fox roams covid England during lockdown searching for answers.....
Background radiation is ionizing radiation present in the natural environment. It arises from various sources, both natural and artificial. Let’s explore these sources:
Radon Gas: Radon isotopes contribute to approximately half of background radiation. This gas emanates from the ground and can seep into buildings.
Cosmic Rays: These high-energy particles originate from space. Their exposure is highest at higher altitudes, such as in aircraft or aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Plants: Some plants absorb isotopes from soil and water, adding to background radiation. They also absorb carbon 14 from the air!
Food: Certain foods, especially those rich in the isotope potassium-40, contribute to background radiation. Plus the plants and animals we eat also contain carbon 14.
Natural Radioisotopes in Water: Radioactive isotopes naturally present in water also play a role.
Rocks and Minerals: Background radiation arises from rocks and minerals, particularly those containing uranium and thorium.
Building Materials: Isotopes in building materials like limestone, concrete, and bricks can emit radiation.
While background radiation is ubiquitous, it usually poses no significant health risk. Human cells have repair mechanisms to handle damage from ionizing radiation.
TEST THAT KNOWLEDGE! RADIATION MEGA QUIZ!
Oh look science fans! A challenging quiz all about ionising radiation in it's many forms! Make sure that you know your difference between alpha, beta minus, positron decay and gamma radiation before you get started. Especially the effects of this type of decay on the atomic number and atomic mass. How will you do? Will you get full marks? Go on, have a try...