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Radiation Safety Terminology Questions with Correct Answers
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Radiation Safety Terminology
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Radiation Safety TerminologyIonizing radiation - answer Radiation that ionizes elements/molecules.
X rays - answer Energetic photons that have neither mass nor charge. They are the
result of electron interactions that release energy.
Gamma rays - answer Energetic photons that have neither mass nor charge. They are
the result of nuclear changes that release energy.
Alpha particles - answer Basically the nucleus of a helium atom (2 protons, 2 neutrons).
Positively charged (+2). Originates from the nuclei of higher atomic number elements.
Beta particles - answer High energy electrons that are ejected from nuclei undergoing
disintegration. Has the mass of an electron and can be positive or negative.
Erythema - answer When the skin is damaged from prolonged exposure to x-rays
(about 18 grays required).
International Commission on Radiological Protection - answerA commission established
in 1928 that makes recommendations on the usage and exposure limits of radiation.
As Low As Reasonably Achievable - answerA concept that must be taken into
consideration when radiation planning to reduce worker exposure limits to radiation.
Radiation - answerThe emission of rays.
Radioactivity - answerThe spontaneous nuclear transformation of an element that
results in the formation of another.
Negatron - answerA negatively charged beta particle (more common).
Positron - answerA positively charged beta particle (less common).
Beta decay - answerWhen neutrons are transformed into protons, causing the release
of beta particles. Generally occurs in elements with an abundant quantity of neutrons.
Mass number - answerThe number of protons and neutrons in an element.
Atomic number - answerThe amount of protons in an element.
Half-life - answerThe amount of time required for an element to decay to half of the
original amount. Specific to an element.
, Photoelectric Effect - answerWhen an incident photon collides with an orbital electron,
causing an energy transfer to the electron. The electron is ejected from the atom as a
result (ionization).
Compton Effect - answerWhen a high energy incident photon collides with an orbital
electron, causing an energy transfer to the electron. The electron is ejected from the
atom as a result (ionization). The photon, however, continues to collide with other
electrons until, but with reduced energy.
Beta interactions - answerWhen a beta particle interacts with an electron. The negative
charges repel each other, causing energy transfer to the electron. The electron can
either be excited, ionized or both based on the amount of energy transferred.
Excitation - answerWhen an electron receives energy that causes it to jump to outer
orbitals. When it falls back down, it gives off energy in the form of light.
Ionization - answerWhen an electron receives enough energy to dislodge it from an
atom's orbital.
Bremsstrahlung - answerWhen a beta particle approaches a nucleus, it can be
deflected and decelerated. This beta particle loses energy that is released in the form of
x-rays. Probability of this interaction increases with nucleus size.
Stochastic effect - answerA classification of cellular damage. The probability of the
effect happening (not severity) is a function of the dose of radiation.
Deterministic effect - answerA classification of cellular damage. The severity of the
effect is based on the radiation dosage. This kind of effect has a threshold dose before
it can occur.
Linear Energy Transfer - answerThe rate at which energy is transferred to an absorbing
material (Ie. cells) as the radiation passes through it. (keV/micrometer).
Total irradiation - answerWhen the entire body is irradiated.
Local irradiation - answerWhen a select area of tissue is irradiated.
Acute effects - answerEffects of irradiation that can manifest immediately or after
several months after one dose. Can be reversible.
Primary chronic effects - answerIrreversible damage due to irradiation that is generally
expressed long after the initial dosage.
Secondary chronic effects - answerIrreversible damage due to a highly damaging dose
of irradiation that involves scarring.
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