| Use | Radiation | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke detectors | Alpha | Alpha ionises air; smoke absorbs alpha, current drops, alarm sounds |
| Paper thickness | Beta | Beta partially absorbed by paper; detector measures how much passes through |
| Checking welds | Gamma | Gamma passes through metal; cracks show up on detector |
| Sterilising food | Gamma | Kills bacteria without heating; doesn't make food radioactive |
This key facts covers Industrial Uses — Summary within Uses & Hazards of Radiation for GCSE Physics. Revise Uses & Hazards of Radiation in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 18 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 5 of 17 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Uses & Hazards of Radiation
Which type of radiation is used in smoke detectors?
Explain how a smoke detector uses an alpha source to detect smoke.
Quick recall flashcards
Most ionising?
Alpha
Beta stopped by?
Few mm aluminium