Atomic StructureDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Uses & Hazards of RadiationGCSE Physics

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Uses & Hazards of Radiation for GCSE Physics. Revise Uses & Hazards of Radiation in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 17 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 10 of 16 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 10 of 16

Practice

17 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

📖 Key Definitions

Irradiation: Exposure to ionising radiation from an external source. The body is not itself made radioactive.

Contamination: The deposition of radioactive material onto or into the body. The material continues to irradiate the body from within or from the skin.

Medical tracer: A gamma-emitting radioisotope administered to a patient to allow imaging of organ function from outside the body.

Radiotherapy: The use of high-energy radiation (usually gamma) to kill cancer cells inside the body.

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Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Uses & Hazards of Radiation. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Uses & Hazards of Radiation

Which type of radiation is used in smoke detectors?

  • A. Gamma
  • B. Beta
  • C. X-rays
  • D. Alpha
1 markfoundation

Explain how a smoke detector uses an alpha source to detect smoke.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Beta stopped by?
Few mm aluminium
Most ionising?
Alpha

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