Question detail
Which of the following describes radioactive contamination?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
- A. The process of an unstable nucleus emitting radiation
- B. The unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on or inside an object or person
- C. The time taken for the count rate to fall to half its initial value
- D. The emission of electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus
Answer
The correct answer is B: The unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on or inside an object or person.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: The unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on or inside an object or person. This supports the learning objective "Define irradiation as exposure to ionising radiation from a radioactive source." in Radioactive contamination because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Radioactive contamination idea: The process of an unstable nucleus emitting radiation; The time taken for the count rate to fall to half its initial value; The emission of electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus.
Common mistake
Confusing Irradiation with Contamination
Students often confuse irradiation with contamination, thinking that exposure to radiation makes an object radioactive.
Clarify that irradiation refers to exposure to radiation, while contamination involves the presence of radioactive materials on or inside an object.
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