Question

1. One type of radioactivity is stopped by the skin and only affects surface tissues. Which one do you think this is describing and why?

2. One type of radioactivity penetrates all the way to the internal organs and can do damage. Which one do you think this is describing and why?

3. One type of radioactivity will penetrate approximately 4-5 mm through the skin to the tissue below. However, items such as heavy clothing, goggles, or Plexiglass can significantly lower the exposure. Which one do you think this is describing and why?

4. Pretend you are given three radioactive rocks – one an alpha emitter, one a beta emitter, and one a gamma emitter. You can throw one away, but of the remaining two, you must hold one in your hand and place the other in your pocket. What would you do with each rock to minimize your exposure to radiation? Explain your reasoning. (Ideally you should get as far from all rocks as possible.)

Answer 1

Alpha radiation is absorbed by the skin.

Beta radiation has more penetrating than alpha radiation. It can pass through the skin, but it is absorbed by body tissues.

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating and it can easily penetrate body tissues and affect internal organs.

So, 1) It is alpha radiation.

2) Gamma radiation.

3) Beta radiation

4) Most penetrating gamma emitter rock must be thrown away. Hold alpha emitter rock in your hand as radiation will be stopped by the skin. Put beta emitter rock in pocket as pocket cloth and skin will reduce its absorption.