Ionising radiation
BTEC Assignment 1
Task 2) and 2b)
TITLE: Ionising Radiation Assignment Task 2a/b
Objectives (We are learning that):
•
•
•
Describe the different types of ionising radiation. (PASS)
Describe the problems associated with the use of
radioactive isotopes. (PASS)
Compare the benefits and drawbacks of using radioactive
isotopes in the home or workplace. (MERIT)
Outcomes:
You should be able to...
•Review what the definition of an isotope is
•State the 3 types of ionising radiation and what the word
‘ionising’ means by drawing a diagram on paper or ICT to
explain what harm it has on the body. (use references in all
research)
•Create a collage on the penetrating power of the 3 types of
ionising radiation using slide 7
•Draw a diagram to compare the dangers inside and outside the
body of radiation
•Complete a summary table of the problems and dangers of
isotopes
KEY
WORDS:
Radiation
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
Atom
Nuclear
model
Half life
Isotope
Task 2: The good and bad of
using isotopes
Having told the year 11 learners about ionising radiation,
you should now tell them about using these exciting
but dangerous radioactive isotopes.
2a) To prepare for the lesson you need to research the
effect that ionising radiation from radioactive
isotopes has on living cells. Use your research to
write a description of the problems and dangers
linked to use of radioactive isotopes. (PASS)
Useful links
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/sc
ience/edexcel/electromagnetic_spectrum/elec
tromagneticspectrumrev5.shtml
• Substances which constantly give out
radiation are said to be R_________.
• It involves a change in the structure of
the n_____ of the radioactive atom which
releases one of the 3 types of radiation:
• We call them R________________
• Alpha (α)
• Beta (β)
• Gamma(γ)
Alpha, Beta and Gamma are known as I…………..
Radiation.
ION
Radiation
alpha/beta/gamma
Knocked off
electron
•When RADIATION collides with NEUTRAL ATOMS or
MOLECULES they can become charged due to electrons being
‘knocked off’ or ‘added’ to their structure.
•This changes their structure leaving them as I……… or
(C……………. PARTICLES).
Ionising radiation
What happens if radiation hits a living cell?
Radiation can ionise cells which causes
c________ d______.
If the exposure is h____, it can kill the cell.
If the exposure is l_____ it can
cause cancer.
The higher the exposure, .....
Ionising radiation can be used to kill cancer cells.
The penetration power of the three types of
radiation (PASS)



Thin plastic
Skin or paper
stops ALPHA
Thin aluminium
stops BETA
Thick lead
reduces GAMMA
Radiation outside the body
Radiation inside the body
Using your knowledge, fill in the table below:
Alpha
Penetrating power
Range of radiation
Most dangerous
outside of body
Most dangerous
inside of body
Beta
Gamma
Quick Questions:
Which type of radiation is…..
1. The most penetrating?
2. The least penetrating?
3. Least dangerous outside the body?
4. Most dangerous inside the body?
5. High energy electrons?
6. Has a negative charge?
7. Is weakly ionising?
8. Has zero charge and zero mass?
9. Only reduced in intensity by lead and concrete?
10. The most ionising radiation?
Task 2b)
• In order to show the variety of uses of
radioactive isotopes you need to draw a
table listing some uses in devices at
home and in the workplace. For each
isotope listed in your table, include the
advantages and disadvantages of using
them. (MERIT)