Radioactivity Around You – Presentation Worksheet Name: Valeria Garcia Objective: Perform research to create an infographic, presentation, or public service announcement (PSA) to inform your classmates on the use, benefits, and dangers of your selected source of artificial radioactivity. Research Questions • What is the source of artificial radiation? What is it used for? Artificial radiation is radiation that is produced by human activities. It can come from various sources, such as medical uses of radiation, residues from nuclear tests, industrial uses of radiation, television, and other radiation-producing devices. Artificial radiation is used for many industrial and medical purposes, such as imaging, diagnosis, treatment, research, and teaching. • What type of radiation is released and how does it form? When radioactive atoms decay, they release energy in the form of ionizing, which, when safely harnessed and used, can produce various benefits. • How are people exposed to this radiation, and how much are they exposed to?People are exposed to radiation every day through inhaling and ingesting radionuclides from air, food and water. They are also exposed to natural radiation from cosmic rays, particularly at high altitude. On average, 80% of the annual dose of background radiation that a person receives is due to naturally occurring terrestrial and cosmic radiation sources. • How is being exposed to a nuclear reaction different from being exposed to a chemical reaction (i.e sitting by your radiation source vs. sitting by a fire)?As the name implies, nuclear reactions occur in the nucleus of an atom. Chemical reactions take place outside the nucleus in the atom’s electron cloud. Chemical reactions involve electromagnetic force. The maximum number of electrons surrounding the nucleus equals the number of protons in the nucleus. • What are the dangers or potential dangers of being exposed to this radiation? How does it impact people? Damage to the DNA in our cells, which can cause cancer and other health problems later in life. Long-term health effects such as cardiovascular disease and increased risk of infection. • Is there anything you can do to protect yourself from the dangers and/or exposure to this radiation? You can prevent unwanted radiation exposure by the following these recommendations. Be aware of your surroundings. If you see a radiation hazard sign, stay out. Controlled areas are restricted to authorized staff trained to work with radioactive materials. Cite your sources. You must have at least three. 1. https://www.medicalradiationinfo.org/radiationandmedicine/radiation-safety/protectunwanted-radiation-exposureaccidents/#:~:text=You%20can%20prevent%20unwanted%20radiation%20exposure%20by%20t he,care.%20Check%20your%20provider%E2%80%99s%20medical%20orders%20for%20accuracy . 2. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/health.html 3. https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//320-063_bkvsman_fs.pdf Share Your Message! Present your findings to all research questions within your presentation. Remember, you can create an infographic, presentation, or PSA. (If you have another format in mind, discuss this with your teacher first.) Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity. The process involves splitting uranium atoms to release energy, which is then used to heat water and produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The benefits is that nuclear energy is a low-carbon power source which can reduce carbon emissions and help combat climate change. It provides a stable base load of energy supply, which is not dependent on weather conditions unlike solar or wind energy. Advances in technology, such as the use of artificial intelligence, are enhancing nuclear power production and safety. The dangers is the main environmental concern is the creation of radioactive wastes such as spent reactor fuel, which can remain dangerous for thousands of years. A small percentage of radioactivity may escape from reactors or reprocessing plants, potentially contaminating the atmosphere and water supply. Radioactive waste presents a major problem regarding long-term storage and management.
